Carbohydrate Derived Fulvic Acid (CHD-FA); Novel Oral Hygiene Product?

Fulvic acid is a heat stable low molecular weight, water soluble, cationic colloidal material with proposed therapeutic properties. These colloidal properties render it susceptible to contamination, so bioreactor production from plant material has enabled a stable carbohydrate from of Fulvic Acid CHD-FA). Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of CDH-FA against a range of oral pathogens associated with caries, periodontal disease, endodontic infection and soft tissue infections. In addition, the toxicological properties of the compound were evaluated. Methods: A panel of oral pathogens, including Gram-positive, Gram-negative and yeasts were grown planktonically and tested with CHD-FA using standardised CLSI methodology. In addition, biofilm populations were grown using a 96-well peg plate method, challenged with CHD-FA, and the sessile MIC's evaluated. Static and cidal activity was assessed. A TR146 oral epithelial cell line was used to assess the toxicity of CHD-FA using both metabolic (XTT) and LDH assays. Results: CHD-FA (0.5% v/v) was effective against the entire panel of planktonic Gram positive, Gram negative bacteria and yeasts, which included Streptococcus mutans, Porphymonas gingivalis and Candida albicans, and it was shown to exhibit cidal activity. Against biofilms the CHD-FA was less effective, with a range of activity of 2- ≥ 4% v/v. When the cell line was exposed a concentration of 0.5%, the planktonic MIC, did not exhibit any cellular toxicity by either assay. Conclusions: This study has shown that the natural antimicrobial CHD-FA is non-toxic and has cidal activity against a range of microbes associated with a variety of oral diseases. Therefore, as a mouthwash, this product has potential as an adjunct to mechanical disruption to minimise the microbial burden in the oral cavity, subject to further studies.