Identification of cariostatic substances in the cacao bean husk: their anti-glucosyltransferase and antibacterial activities.

The cacao bean husk has been shown to possess two types of cariostatic substances, one showing anti-glucosyltransferase (GTF) activity and the other antibacterial activity, and to inhibit experimental dental caries in rats infected with mutans streptococci. In the present study, chromatographic purification revealed high-molecular-weight polyphenolic compounds and unsaturated fatty acids as active components. The former, which showed strong anti-GTF activity, were polymeric epicatechins with C-4beta and C-8 intermolecular bonds estimated to be 4636 in molecular weight in an acetylated form. The latter, which showed bactericidal activity against Streptococcus mutans, were determined to be oleic and linoleic acids, and demonstrated a high level of activity at a concentration of 30 microgram/mL. The cariostatic activity of the cacao bean husk is likely caused by these biologically active constituents.