A Phenolic-rich Extract of Cocoa ( L.) Beans Impairs the Pathogenic Properties of and Attenuates the Activation of Nuclear Factor Kappa B in a Monocyte Model.

Periodontitis, an inflammatory disease that affects tooth-supporting tissues, is the result of a polymicrobial infection involving mainly Gram negative anaerobic bacteria. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a phenolic-rich extract of cocoa ( L.) beans on the pathogenic properties of , which is well-known as a keystone pathogen in the development of periodontitis. The effect of the cocoa extract on -induced activation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) transcription factor in a monocyte model was also assessed. The cocoa extract, whose major phenolic compound was epicatechin, inhibited the growth, hemolytic activity, proteolytic activities, and adherence properties (basement membrane matrix, erythrocytes) of in a dose-dependent manner. It also protected the barrier function of a keratinocyte model against the deleterious effects mediated by , and attenuated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by oral keratinocytes treated with . Lastly, the cocoa extract showed an anti-inflammatory property by preventing -induced NF-κB activation in monocytes. In conclusion, this study highlighted the potential value of an epicatechin-rich extract of cocoa beans for preventing and/or treating periodontal diseases.