A Case for the Blues

A condition that occurs when bacteria form biofilms or plaques on teeth – often leading to inflammation, gum disease can turn into periodontitis. Previously, studies report that blueberry is an abundant source of flavonoids, and can have an effect against foodborne pathogens.  Daniel Grenier, from the Universite Laval (Canada), and colleagues utilized a lab model to investigate whether blueberry polyphenols could be effective against Fusobacterium nucleatum, one of the main species of bacteria associated with periodontitis.  The team observed that extracts from the wild lowbush blueberry, Vaccinium angustifolium Ait. to successfully inhibited the growth of F. nucleatum, as well as its ability to form biofilms. It also blocked a molecular pathway involved in inflammation, a key part of gum disease.  The study authors write that: “This dual antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action of lowbush blueberry polyphenols suggests that they may be promising candidates for novel therapeutic agents.”