Inhibitory Effect of Asplenium incisum on Bacterial Growth, Inflammation, and Osteoclastogenesis

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Asplenium incisum, a natural plant, is known to possess numerous pharmacological and biochemical properties. However, the inhibitory effect of A. incisum against Porphyromonas gingivalis and other factors related to periodontal disease have not yet been demonstrated. This study aimed to investigate the potential of A. incisum extract as a phytotherapeutic candidate for improving periodontal diseases by assessing its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-osteoclastogenic activities. Materials and Methods: The inhibition of proliferation of P. gingivalis by A. incisum and the sustainability of its antibacterial activity were evaluated in this study. The production of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)) and nitric oxide (NO) from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells was assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. To identify the anti-osteoclastogenic activity, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and TRAP activity analyses were performed on bone marrow macrophages. Results: The proliferation of P. gingivalis was significantly inhibited by A. incisum ( p < 0.001), and the antibacterial activity was sustained for up to 3 days. A. incisum showed anti-inflammatory activities by significantly decreasing the release of TNF-α, IL-6 ( p < 0.05), and NO ( p < 0.01). In addition, A. incisum significantly suppressed TRAP-positive cells and TRAP activity (at 30 μg/mL, p < 0.01) without causing any cytotoxicity ( p > 0.05). Conclusions: A. incisum showed antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-osteoclastogenic activities, suggesting it has strong therapeutic potential against periodontal diseases.