Evaluation of the antimicrobial, anti-adhesion, anti-biofilm and cell proliferation assay of a de-novo goji berry extract against periodontal pathogens: a comparative in-vitro study

Lycium barbarum, commonly known as goji berry, Chinese berry, or Tibetian berry, is emerging as a popular "superfood" with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Goji berry is being used for the treatment of various cancers, gastrointestional disorders, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimers disease, and glaucoma. However, its use for management of oral inflammatory diseases has not been explored. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial, anti-adhesion, and anti-biofilm, and cytotoxic properties of an ethanolic extract of Lycium barbarum (LBE) against oral and periodontal pathogens. The antimicrobial properties of LBE against five microorganisms were tested and compared against Chlorhexidine and doxycycline along with cytotoxicity and cell viability on the gingival fibroblast and modified keratinocyte cell lines. The anti-adhesion and anti-biofilm properties of LBE against Porphyromonas gingivalis, at its minimal bactericidal value, were evaluated. The antimicrobial, anti-adhesion and antibiofilm properties of LBE were found to be comparable to chlorhexidine but less than that of doxycycline. The LBE extract was also compactible to gingival fibroblast tissues and oral keratinocytes at 1 mg/ml. The results proved that goji berry is as effective as chlorhexidine and can be used as a promising natural herb for the management of inflammatory diseases of oral cavity.