Introduction:

Treatment of periodontal disease includes mechanical therapy complemented with antibiotics / antiseptics, which could lead to the occurrence of long-term adverse effects.

Objective:

Describe the pharmacological potential of the fruit of M. dubia and its use as adjunct in periodontal therapy.

Methods:

A review was conducted of international high impact journals from the Web of Sciences which dealt with the topic (58 journals). The databases Google Scholar, SciELO, PubMed and EBSCO were consulted, using the descriptors “review”, “phytotherapy”, “Myrtaceae”, “gingivitis”, “periodontitis”, “periodontal diseases”, anti-bacterial agents”, “anti-inflammatory agents”, “dental plaque”, “antioxidants”, “plants, toxic”, “adverse effects”. A total 517 papers were obtained, of which 60 were included in the study. 91.7 % of the papers had been published in the last three years.

Data integration:

A description was provided of the properties and safety of the use of M. dubia in humans.

Conclusions:

M. dubia has in vitro antimicrobial activity against dental biofilm microorganisms, particularly S. mutans, S. mitis and P. gingivalis to the seed hydroalcoholic extract, and S. aureus to the leaf and peel hydroalcoholic extract. Anti-inflammatory activity was also observed. Results suggest that M. dubia ethanolic extract could be incorporated into oral antiseptics, given its antibiofilm and anti-inflammatory potential.

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