Polyphenolic compounds in combating MDR periodontal pathogens: current research and future directions

Area of Science:

• Periodontal medicine
• Natural product chemistry
• Antimicrobial resistance

Background:

• Multidrug-resistant periodontal pathogens pose significant clinical challenges.
• Conventional antibiotic therapies are increasingly ineffective against these resistant strains.
• There is a critical need for novel therapeutic strategies, including alternative or adjunctive treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the multitargeted mechanisms of polyphenols against resistant periodontal pathogens.
• To explore the potential of polyphenols as adjunctive therapies in periodontitis management.
• To assess the role of nanotechnology in enhancing polyphenol efficacy and delivery.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of studies published between 2010 and 2025.
• Analysis of research on polyphenol mechanisms of action, including membrane disruption, efflux pump inhibition, and virulence factor downregulation.
• Evaluation of studies investigating polyphenol synergy with antibiotics and the application of nanotechnology for improved delivery.

Main Results:

• Polyphenols exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and host-modulatory effects, targeting bacterial membranes, efflux pumps, quorum sensing, and biofilm formation.
• Key polyphenols like epigallocatechin-3-gallate, curcumin, resveratrol, and quercetin demonstrate significant potential.
• Synergistic effects with antibiotics were observed, enhancing efficacy and allowing for dose reduction.
• Nanotechnology-based delivery systems show promise in overcoming polyphenol limitations like poor solubility and stability.

Conclusions:

• Polyphenols represent a promising class of compounds for managing multidrug-resistant periodontal infections.
• Their dual action of antimicrobial activity and host modulation offers a sustainable therapeutic approach.
• Further research focusing on standardized formulations, targeted delivery, and robust clinical trials is essential for clinical translation.