Crocus Sativus Extract, a Promising Oral Ingredient for Periodontitis Prevention.

Objectives: Crocus Sativus (C. sativus) is a widely known plant, especially for its antioxidant properties. Periodontitis, a chronic inflammation is characterized by gum bleeding, gums recession and even tooth loss. This oral disease is initiated with oral biofilm dysbiosis with Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) having the most important role in periodontitis development. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of C. sativus flower extract on some of the virulence factors of P. gingivalis but also on the host immune system and epithelium barrier function.
Methods: Inhibitory potential of C. sativus flower extract was evaluated against gingipains of P. gingivalis by using chromogenic peptides as substrates. Hemolysis inhibition assays were performed on human red blood cells in contact with P. gingivalis with or without of C. sativus flower extract. Gingival human keratinocytes were treated with planktonic cultures of P. gingivalis with or without C. sativus flower extract and bacterial adhesion was determined by immunostaining. C. sativus flower extract effect on macrophages polarization was evaluated in vitro on Human PBMC derived macrophages by measuring CD14 and CD163 expression levels.
Results: Gingipain activity decreased by 74 and 85% in two independent assays following 1% C. sativus flower extract treatment. Then, C. Sativus flower extract at 1% also showed significant inhibitory activity (48% and 78%) against P. gingivalis induced hemolysis. Finally, C. sativus flower extract induced an increase in cell proportion of type 2 macrophages expressing both CD14 and CD163 on their surface.
Conclusions: C. sativus flower extract showed significant effects against important pathogenic aspects of P. gingivalis. It also promoted anti-inflammatory macrophages polarization. C. sativus flower extract may be a promising candidate for periodontitis prevention and gum reinforcement.