Effects of some commercial calamansi-containing beverages on the enamel surface / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of some commercial calamansicontaining beverages on the sound surface of bovine teeth as well as the dental erosion inhibitory effects of calcium.METHODS: The pH and titratable acidity of six kinds of commercially available calamansi beverages were determined. Further, 3% calcium was added to the calamansi beverage Oranssi in the experimental group to confirm its dental erosion inhibitory effect. Jeju Samdasoo was used in the negative control group and Coca-Cola in the positive control group. After immersing the sound teeth specimens for 10 min, surface microhardness was measured using the Vickers hardness number (VHN), and surface changes in specimens were observed under a scanning electron microscope.RESULTS: The average pH of the commercial calamansi beverages was 2.54±0.22. After 10 min of treatment with each experimental beverage, the surface hardness difference (ΔVHN) was highest in the Coca-Cola group (−49.05±12.59), followed by the Oranssi calamansi group (−43.77±13.70), 3% calcium-added Oranssi calamansi group (−2.71±12.58), and Samdasoo group (14.03±20.79). There was no significant difference between the bottled water and calcium-added Oranssi calamansi groups or between the Coca-Cola and Oranssi calamansi groups (P>0.05). However, there was a significant difference in the surface hardness between the bottled water and CocaCola groups (P<0.05). On scanning electron microscopy, the Samdasoo group showed a smooth surface without any loss, but Coca-Cola and Oranssi calamansi groups showed a rough surface due to erosion. However, although fine cracks and porosities were seen in the calcium-added Oranssi calamansi group, surfaces in the group were much smoother than those in the Oranssi calamansi group.CONCLUSIONS: Calamansi beverages of low pH may cause corrosion of the tooth surface, and the addition of calcium to the calamansi beverages inhibits demineralization of the tooth surface. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the risk of dental erosion when drinking calamansi beverages of low pH.

The antimicrobial activity of citrus fruit extracts: An in-vitro assay

BACKGROUND: The scarcity of local research on extracts of citrus fruits precludes their use as an alternative medication, particularly in the field of Dermatology.OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine the antimicrobial activity of citrus fruit extracts and to contribute to existing data supporting the use oi these extracts against superficial bacterial and fungal diseases of the skin.METHODS: Crude ethanolic pulp and/or seed extracts and essential oils of Citrus paradisi(grapefruit), Citrus grandis(pomelo), and Citrofortunella microcarpa(calamansi) were screened for antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans the disc diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of C. microcarpapulp extract against S. aureus was then determined using standard dilution susceptibility testing. Thin layer chromatography was used to identify the presence of flavonoids, using naringin as a standard.RESULTS: The widest zones of inhibition against the test organisms were seen with calamansi pulp extract. Susceptibility testing showed that calamansi pulp extract was bacteriostatic for S. aureusup to 12.5 percent dilution. However, no bactericidal effect was observed. Naringin was identified only in the pulp extract of grapefruit.CONCLUSION: In vitro, calamansi pulp extract was shown to be an effective antimicrobial against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans. Whether or not this has any dermatologic significance awaits further /w-vj'votesting.

Phase I and phase II clinical trial on the safety and efficacy of calamansi (Citrus microcarpa Bunge) pulp extract cream in the treatment of Tinea versicolor

BACKGROUND: Our local calamansi's pulps contain tannin which has been found to have antifungal activity. OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety and efficacy of calamansi pulp extract cream in the treatment of tinea versicolor. METHODS: This was a prospective, open-label pilot study. Safety of 20 percent, 40 percent and 80 percent tannin from calamansi pulp was done using patch test. The 40 percent tannin cream determined safe was used for the phase 2 clinical trial. Patients with tinea versicolor applied the test cream twice daily and was re-evaluated weekly for 4-weeks. RESULTS: Of the 100 volunteers who underwent patch testing, six subjects developed significant irritancy with the 80 percent tannin cream (p= 0.016). The 20 percent and 40 percent tannin creams were deemed safe for topical application. Fifteen patients underwent the 2nd phase evaluation for efficacy using 40 percent tannin cream. Weekly mean global assessment score showed significant clinical improvement from baseline and after the 4-weeks study (p= 0.000). At week 4, clinical cure had occurred in 93 percent (95 percent CI, 81-106) of subjects, mycologic cure in 100 percent (95 percent CI, 100) and complete cure in 93 percent (95 percent CI, 81-106). CONCLUSION: The 20 percent and 40 percent tannin extracts are safe for topical application. The 40 percent calamansi pulp extract cream is effective against tinea versicolor after 4-weeks of use.