Mangosteen and propolis blend may aid gum inflammation recovery

Researchers published a study in the journal Nutrients​ that investigated​ the efficacy of PMEC or placebo on gingival health in 104 patients with gingivitis over eight weeks. To do this they used changes in inflammatory biomarkers from gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) as a primary focus.  

The authors from Korea found that “PMEC consumption can attenuate gingival inflammation and mitigate periodontal tissue destruction by modulating key inflammatory mediators in gingival tissue”.  

It involves complex interactions between oral bacteria and immune cells, leading to the production of pro-inflammatory molecules like cytokines, prostaglandins, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which contribute to tissue inflammation and bone loss​. 

Garcinia mangostana L. (mangosteen), the tropical fruit, and propolis, a resinous substance from honeybees, are gaining attention for their potential benefits in promoting periodontal health​, however, clinical evidence is limited.

Mangosteen contains bioactive compounds like xanthones and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, and propolis is rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids with antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. 

As clinical measures can only provide information on past periodontal tissue destruction, recent research​ has focused on identifying periodontal disease biomarkers found in GCF, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and enzymes like MMP-8 and MMP-9, which have been linked to severity and progression​.