Development of a toothpaste containing roots of Euclea natalensis

D. Santos2, J. B. P. Silva1, J.C. Meneses2, Á. Santos2, E. F. Silva1, P. Lobão2, M. H. Amaral2, J. M. Sousa Lobo2 , C. Gomes1

1 GeoBioTec Research Unit, University of Aveiro, University Campus of Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal

2 Research Centre for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Portugal

Teeth cleaning and disinfection of the oral cavity are habits that date back to the Greek and Roman civilizations. The people of that time used for this purpose the stems and roots of plants, because these materials possess abrasive properties.

The roots of Euclea natalensis are used by various African peoples in oral hygiene (used as natural dentifrice), and it has being considered as the main plant used for this purpose in Mozambique (popularly known by Mulala). Traditionally the root bark is removed and the inner part is chewed until it gets crumbed, after being rubbed against the teeth and gums. This process temporarily leaves the mouth and teeth with an orange coloration, disappearing after a few hours [1].

In literature, many authors consider other applications particularly in the treatment of dental caries, gingival bleeding and treatment of oral diseases because of its antifungal and antibacterial activity (against microorganisms such as Bacillus cereus, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus kristinae) [2,3].

The roots were obtained at typical market in Maputo (Mozambique) and then treated in the laboratory, proceeding to wash with purified water and then drying in a ventilated oven, at approximately 40ºC. After drying, the roots were pulverized and passed through a sieve with a mesh size of 90µm. Then we proceeded to develop a basis for incorporation of the powder prepared.

After the geochemical characterization of the root [4], the toothpaste base was prepared in which was added 2.5% of its component. The final pH obtained was 6.9, which complies with the recommended requirements for dentifrices [5]. The toothpaste obtained showed appreciable physical stability and good viscosity and texture characteristics. This work must be continued in order to verify the effectiveness of the folder with respect to antiseptic, toning and cicatrizing properties of the root of Mulala.

References:

[1] Filipe, M., Gomes, E.T., Serrano, R. and Silva, O. (2008), Caracterização farmacognóstica da raiz de Euclea natalensis. Workshop plantas medicinais e fitoterapêuticas. [2] Lall, N. and Meyer, J. J. (2000), Antibacterial activity of water and acetone extracts of the roots of Euclea natalensis, J Ethnopharmacol, 72 (1-2): 313-6. [3] Lall, N. et al. (2006), Antifungal activity of naphthoquinones and triterpenes isolated from the root bark of Euclea natalensis. South African Journal of Botany, 72 (4): 579-83. [4] Silva, J.B., Silva, E.F., Santos, D., Meneses, J.C., Lobão, P., Amaral, M.H., Lobo, J.M., and Gomes, C. (2013), Caracterização geoquímica da raiz de Euclea natalensis (Mulala). III CIBAP-Açores. [5] Priste, L.N., Bahia, M.F. and Vilar, E. (1995), Dermofarmácia e Cosmética. II Volume. Ed da Associação Nacional de Farmácia.