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February 18, 2003
Cranberry
powder delivers surprising dental benefits
Decas Press Release
CARVER, MA – Cranberry powder could become an amazing new constituent of dental
health care. As part of the newest project for Decas Botanical Synergies, a
Division of Decas Cranberry Products, Inc., the company has created Nutricran ™
cranberry powder. The naturally red cranberry powder has been introduced into
one of the most promising advances in dental health care.
Perio-Tek, Inc., of Anaheim, California, a dental products company dedicated to
the development of natural methods for improving
periodontal care, has
introduced a new dental care system—which incorporates the Nutricran ™ cranberry
powder. In a clinical trial, the dental care system showed significant
improvement in
periodontal health. As a result, the creators of the Perio-Tek
dental system have discovered that cranberry powder can deliver surprising
natural advances in dental health care.
“Perio-Tek, as a natural dental products company, is excited to be working with
Decas Cranberry Products. We are grateful for their help in our
accomplishments,” says Dr. Marvin Frager, Chief Executive Officer of Perio-Tek.
Health Director of Decas Cranberry Products, Dr. Nikos Linardakis, announced
today that the company was pleased to see such positive findings on the dental
care system. “In addition to being helpful in preventing
urinary tract
infections, other benefits—such as preventing dental gum disease—are quickly
gaining public and research attention.” Dr. Linardakis explained how the
distinctive, jewel-like, ruby-red color of cranberries signals the presence of
beneficial plant chemicals called
flavonoids, specifically,
proanthocyanidins or
PACs. These and other beneficial phytochemicals from the cranberry can help to
prevent bacteria from adhering to cells.
Anti-Adhesive Properties
The Perio-Tek dental system includes other natural active ingredients, but the
cranberry is highlighted. Researchers have found that the bacterial
anti-adhesion properties unique to cranberries are also effective on other cell
surfaces, such as cells in the mouth. Recently, the Journal of the American
Dental Association published a research study from scientists at Tel Aviv
University, which demonstrated that cranberry phytochemicals can prevent
bacteria from sticking to cells in the oral cavity.
Highlights of a clinical research study conducted by Dr. Marvin Frager of
Perio-Tek, revealed that more than sixty-six percent of the trial group showed a
reduction in
periodontal gum disease. The research also indicated a reduction in
the bleeding of gums by approximately 55 percent compared to 26 percent in the
control group who used only traditional brushing and flossing. Over 80 percent
of the patients in the trial also reported improvement in breath odor
(halitosis).
Decas Innovations
Decas Botanical Synergies is the scientific research and development division of
Decas Cranberry Products, Inc. Finding new and innovative uses for this healthy
fruit is the focus of their research. Decas Cranberry Products, Inc. has been
growing and marketing cranberries and cranberry products for nearly seventy
years. The company currently owns more than 500 acres of cranberry bogs, and
markets cranberries nationally and internationally for approximately 154
cranberry growers in Massachusetts. Additionally, Decas supplies over 40 million
pounds of cranberries and cranberry products to consumers, retailers and food
processors each year.
Said John C. Decas, CEO of Decas Cranberry Products, “We are very happy to help
develop new products that appeal to health-conscious consumers. These exciting
research studies enhance the value of this healthy berry.”