Remineralization Effects of Grape Seed Extract on Artificial Root Caries

Grape seed extract (GSE) contains proanthocyanidin, which has been reported to strengthen collagen-based tissues by increasing collagen cross-links. Studies have shown that casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) based paste inhibited the demineralization and promotes remineralization of enamel. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of GSE and CPP-ACP based paste on the remineralization of artificial root caries using a pH-cycling model. Methods: Sound human teeth fragments obtained from the cervical portion of the root were stored in demineralization solution for 96 hr at 37oC to induce artificial root caries. The fragments were then divided into four treatment groups including: 6.5 % GSE, CPP-ACP based paste, 1,000 ppm fluoride (NaF), and control (no treatment). The demineralized samples were pH-cycled through treatment solutions, acidic buffer and neutral buffer for 8 days at 6 cycles per day. The samples were subsequently evaluated using a microhardness tester; polarized light microscopy (PLM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Fisher's tests (p<0.05). Results: Samples treated with GSE and fluoride presented significantly higher microhardness values when compared to the control group (p=0.0148, p=0.002 respectively), while no differences were observed between CPP-ACP treated and the control groups (p=0.532). There was no statistically significant differences between the fluoride and GSE groups (p =0.1034). Fluoride treated samples presented significantly smaller lesions depth on PLM when compared to the other groups (p<0.001). A significantly wider (p<0.001) mineral precipitation band is observed in the GSE treated group when compared to those of fluoride, CPP-ACP and control groups. The data was consistent with the CLSM findings, indicating less porosity in the GSE treated samples. Conclusion: Grape seed extract positively affects the in vitro demineralization and/or remineralization processes of artificial root caries lesions. Grape seed extract may be a promising natural agent for non-invasive root caries therapy. Supported by NIH-NIDCR#DE017740.