The Role of Proanthocyanidins in Treatment of Periodontal Disease

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition caused due to multiple factors which results in destruction of connective tissue and alveolar bone that support the teeth. Bacterial plaque is one of the main factors that accelerate the process of destruction. Therefore, controlling the destructive effects of this factor by including agents that could reduce or inhibit the ongoing damage is important. Proanthocyanidins (PA) have various properties including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic thus possessing the ability to enhance gingival health and thus preventing further destruction. There are many studies that have proved these properties both through in vitro and in vivo categories. Thus, this review makes an attempt to discuss the impact of PA’s on the pathogenesis of periodontitis and also to show whether PA’s could be developed as a therapeutic agent for periodontitis.