Citrus Oil and MgCl2 as Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Agents
- Autores: Boaz Mizrahi, Lior Shapira, Abraham J. Domb, Yael Houri-Haddad
- Localización: Journal of periodontology, ISSN 0022-3492, Vol. 77, Nº. 6, 2006, págs. 963-968
- Idioma: inglés
- Enlaces
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Resumen
Background: The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of Dead Sea magnesium chloride (MgCl2), citrus oil, and their combination were investigated. Citrus oil is composed of monoterpenes, in particular D-limonene, which is known to inhibit growth of bacteria, fungi, and certain parasites.
Methods: Inhibition of Porphyromonas gingivalis in vitro was used to evaluate the antibacterial effect of a mixture of Dead Sea magnesium chloride and citrus oil and of each of the components. A subcutaneous chamber model in mice was used to assess the anti-inflammatory effect of the mixture and the individual components. Leukocyte migration, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) secretion, and interleukin (IL)-10 secretion were determined. Hydrocortisone was used as a positive control.
Results: Citrus oil had an antibacterial effect with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1 mg/ml, whereas MgCl2 at concentrations up to 10 mg/ml did not exhibit any antibacterial activity. However, a mixture of 10 mg/ml MgCl2 and 0.25 mg/ml citrus oil dramatically increased inhibition of bacterial growth. The combination of MgCl2 and the citrus oil resulted in lower levels of TNF-α and leukocyte migration while maintaining the levels of IL-10 compared to the control.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that a mixture of citrus oil and MgCl2 could be used as a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent.
