Title 

Effect of tea root-derived proanthocyanidin fractions on protection of dentin collagen

Authors

Honglin Yang, Bingqing Xie , Yue Wang, Yayun Cui , Hui Yang , Xiaoting Wang, Xi Yang and Guan-Hu Bao*

Journal 

JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL RESEARCH

DOI

10.1177/0300060519891303

Abstract 

Objectives: Proanthocyanidins (PAs) have been widely used as effective agents for dentin collagen cross-linking to enhance the biomechanics and biostability of dentin in vitro. However, the effects and protective mechanisms of various tea root-derived PA components on dentin remain undefined. This study evaluated the effects of these tea root-derived PA components on dentin biomechanics and biostability. 

Methods: In this study, ethyl acetate and n-butyl alcohol were used to extract PAs with different degrees of polymerization from tea roots; the effects of these PA extracts on dentin were evaluated. 

Results: Dentin was treated with glutaraldehyde, ethyl acetate, n-butyl alcohol, or water. PAs with a high degree of polymerization, extracted using n-butyl alcohol, were able to more effectively improve dentin collagen cross-linking, increase resistance to bacterial collagenase digestion, and enhance dentin elasticity, relative to treatment with glutaraldehyde or PAs with a low degree of polymerization (extracted using ethyl acetate). Additionally, treatment with aqueous extract of tea roots was detrimental to dentin stability and function.

Conclusions: PAs with a high degree of polymerization were effective for dentin protection and restoration in vitro, suggesting clinical treatment potential for tea root-derived PAs.