We have been conducting researches on FPP on the theme of "Healthy Aging", aimed at achieving to reduce medical costs though preventive medicine.

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Fermented papaya preparation (FPP) is a "natural health product." The high incidence of dental caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, and oral microbial infection cases among patients with diabetes mellitus continues to prevail.In an attempt to explain this trend, multiple pathophysiological mechanisms have been suggested, including deficient nutritional intake, alterations in host response to oral microflora, compromised neutrophil function, and decreased phagocytosis and leukotaxis.Bacteria-triggered secretion of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines in the mouth may induce hyperglycemia and ultimately cause insulin resistance and contribute to the indirect destruction of pancreatic beta cells.

The potential role of FPP against common oral microbiota (Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mitis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus) isolated from the human oral cavity was investigated using in vitro simulation models of dental plaque and caries. FPP showed an inhibitory effect against the growth (at 0.05 mg/mL: S. mutans: -6.9%; S. mitis: -4.47%, P < 0.05)(Fig.1), acid production (at 0.05 mg/mL: S. mutans: +6.38%; L. acidophilus: +2.25%)(Fig.2), and hydrophobicity (at 50 mg/mL: S. mutans: 1.01%, P < 0.01; S. mitis: 7.66%, P < 0.05) (Fig.3)of tested microbiota.

The results of this study suggest that low doses of FPP may be a suitable complement to good oral hygiene practice for the effective prevention of dental caries, plaque, and gingivitis. The functional application of FPP as a constituent of a balanced diet and active lifestyle can make a positive contribution to the oral health status and well-being of patients with diabetes.

Fig1： Effect of FPP on the growth of
Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mitis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus
*^/#p < 0.05 vs control


Fig2： Effect of FPP on the acid production of
Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mitis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus


Fig3： The effect of FPP on cell surface hydrophobicities of
Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mitis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus
*^/#p < 0.05, **p < 0.01 vs control