This giant tropical fruit could help reverse gum disease damage

Brazilian researchers have developed a new biomaterial composed of jackfruit latex, pomegranate peel extract, and simvastatin that could more effectively treat periodontitis, a serious gum disease. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by infection that gradually destroys the structures holding teeth in place and leads to bone loss. Early laboratory tests on human stem cells showed that the biomaterial promotes osteoinduction, a process in which cells develop into bone-forming tissue, within 14 to 21 days. Jackfruit latex has adhesive properties that allow longer action at the affected site, while pomegranate has antimicrobial properties and simvastatin has anti-inflammatory effects. The research team emphasizes that despite promising results, further research is needed before clinical use.