Sticky, Chewy Raisins: Bacteria Fighters

Oleanolic acid, a chemical compound found in raisins, has been found to be effective at killing bacteria that cause gum and tooth disease. That's surprising because no one suspected that raisins could have a positive impact on teeth.

"Raisins are perceived as sweet and sticky, and any food that contains sugar and is sticky is assumed to cause cavities," said Christine Wu, professor and associate dean for research at the University of Illinois at Chicago. "But our study suggests the contrary. Phytochemicals in raisins may benefit oral health by fighting bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease."

Wu presented her research data this week at the annual meeting of the American Society for Microbiology in Atlanta, GA.

Wu and her colleagues performed routine chemical analyses to identify five phytochemicals in Thompson seedless raisins. Oleanolic acid and two others (oleanolic aldehyde and 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-furfural) inhibited the growth of oral bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis, which cause periodontal disease.

[Hat tip: Nutraingredients