Effects of three plant extracts (Hordeum vulgare L., Apocynum Venetum L., Brasenia schreberi J.F.G mel.) on human gingival fibroblasts were examined. As a result, we observed the promoting effect of the extract of Hordeum vulgare L. and the extract of Apocynum Venetum L. respectively on FGF2 and FGF7 production. Moreover, the mixture of the three plant extracts showed the effect of improving the changes in type I collagen gene expression and matrix metalloproteinase 1 gene expression by LPS addition. Next, a dentifrice containing the three plant extracts was subjected to human efficacy trials. We measured periodontal pocket depth, attachment level, bleeding on probing and saliva TNFα as an indicator of periodontal disease. The results suggest that the dentifrice formulated with the three plant extracts were effective for the improvement of periodontal disease.

The prevalence of joint diseases in Japan is increasing yearly and it causes the need of nursing care and reduces quality of life. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of approaches to prevent and treat the diseases. In the present study, we investigated the effective, healthy food material focusing on the metabolism of joint cartilage. Ampelopsis glandulosa (A. g. ) extract improved exacerbation of hyaluronic acid metabolism and NFκB nuclear translocation caused by inflammatory cytokines, and it suppressed the onset of collagen-induced arthritis in mice. Moreover, intake of the drink containing A. g. extract for three months improved discomfort, pain, and bending angle of knee joint in activities of daily living. These results suggest that A. g. extract improves hyaluronic acid metabolism of joint cartilage, and it is expected to prevent and improve joint disease by long-term intake of the drink containing A. g. extract.