Scientists explain how this tropical fruit you could buy at supermarket could help with gum disease

Scientists in Brazil have developed a novel biomaterial that could transform how severe gum disease is treated, offering hope for patients who have lost bone and tissue around their teeth.

The material, created by researchers at the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo, combines an unusual trio of ingredients: latex extracted from jackfruit, pomegranate peel extract and simvastatin, a medication typically used to lower cholesterol.

Early laboratory findings suggest this combination not only fights infection and reduces inflammation but may also stimulate the regrowth of damaged periodontal structures.

The research was published today in the journal Polymer Bulletin.

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Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition triggered by bacterial infection that progressively destroys the supporting structures around teeth.

Over time, patients experience significant bone deterioration and weakened connections between their teeth and the surrounding gum tissue.

Existing treatments focus primarily on managing infection and controlling inflammation, but they typically offer little capacity to restore what has already been lost.

Alternative methods such as guided tissue regeneration and bone grafting have been attempted, though outcomes remain inconsistent and often unpredictable.

This gap in treatment options prompted the Brazilian team to explore natural bioactive substances capable of addressing multiple aspects of the disease simultaneously.

The research team selected jackfruit latex specifically for its sticky characteristics, which could allow therapeutic compounds to remain at the treatment site for extended periods.

"We began to view latex extracted from jackfruit as an interesting alternative, as it has adhesive properties," explained Professor Eliana Aparecida de Rezende Duek, who coordinated the study. "This led us to believe that it could remain longer at the site affected by periodontitis, promoting a more targeted release of therapeutic compounds and potentially reducing the need for systemic antibiotic use."

Pomegranate peel extract was incorporated for its known germ-fighting properties when applied directly to tissue.

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Simvastatin, meanwhile, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects and the ability to encourage bone formation in previous studies.

The scientists tested their gel using human stem cells derived from fat tissue, incorporating simvastatin at three different concentrations: 0.3 per cent, 0.6 per cent, and 1.2 per cent.

None of these levels compromised the gel's structural integrity, and all were deemed safe for potential use.

Crucially, every concentration triggered osteoinduction — the biological process whereby cells transform into bone-forming tissue — within a fortnight, with effects intensifying by day 21.

"Overall, the results were very encouraging for us," said Professor Duek, although she emphasised considerable work remains before the treatment reaches patients.

"Despite these promising results, we're continuing to move forward with new studies to more thoroughly evaluate the efficacy and safety of the system," she added.

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