EVALUATION OF HUMAN SALIVARY METALLOPROTEINASE INHIBITORS IN PLANT LEAVES

Previous studies investigated the host-derived salivary matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are responsible for dentin caries progression. The utilization of the MMP inhibitors can become a successful strategy to control dentin caries. In this study, we have tested twenty-four different medicinal plant leaf extracts against human salivary MMPs for investigation of inhibitors. Total phenolics were extracted in methanol, and their assessment was performed by Folin-ciocalteau assay. The presence of salivary MMP inhibitors in all plant leaf extracts was tested by using gelatin zymography. S. cumini leaf extract was found to be containing the highest total phenolics content. Leaf extracts of S. cumini, T. catappa and C. fistula exhibited strong inhibitor activity against salivary MMPs. Presence of inhibitor activity was found to be depending on the amount of phenolics concentration in extracts. The inhibition of salivary MMPs due to the binding action of phenolics with salivary proteins was concluded. As per the data of image J gel analysis software, T. catappa leaf exhibited prominent inhibitor activity as compared to other plants. The IC₅₀ value of T. catappa against P3 proteinase band was determined between 25 and 50 µg/ml phenolics. Inhibitory activity exhibiting plants found in this study could be used for controlling the dental carries progression.