Nowadays, researchers are interested in using extracts from natural sources
as medicines or health-promoting agents. Herbs and natural sources with medicinal
properties are beneficial for treating oral diseases. Dentistry uses natural products as
antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and sedative agents. Various physical and chemical
factors, including hydrolysis and enzymatic degradation by matrix metalloproteinases
(MMPs) derived from the host, degrade bonding over time. Recent biomodifications to
dentin have produced a more stable and resilient adhesive contact. It has been
determined that plant-derived natural cross-linkers are effective at enhancing the
mechanical properties of dentin and controlling its biodegradation by inhibiting
proteases. Dentin biomodification by these naturally derived cross-linking agents has
remarkable effects on caries prevention and dentin remineralization, which is even
more extraordinary. Natural bio-modifiers are naturally occurring substances whose
potential dental applications have garnered increased attention in recent years.
Compared to synthetic agents, the most appealing characteristics of biomodifiers and
renewable/sustainable resources are their minimal toxicity and renewable/sustainable
nature. Natural proanthocyanidins (PACs) taken from different natural sources have a
high ability to cross-link with collagen. This makes the organic matrix of dentin more
biostable and stronger.
Keywords: Anthocyanin, Cardol, Catechin, Chlorhexidine, Collagen, Cranberry, Cross-linker, Cysteine cathepsins, Dentin biomodifiers, Flavonoids, Genipin, Glutaraldehyde, Lycopene, MMP, Polyphenol, Proanthocyanidins, Propolis, Quercetin, Tannin, Theobromine.
