Challenges and opportunities in applying temulawak (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb.) for industrial oral care product

Abstract

Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb., commonly known as temulawak or java turmeric, is an indigenous plant from Java, Bali, and Mollucas, Indonesia. It has been used by Indonesian ancestors for food, medicinal purposes, and as a tonic. C. xanthorrhiza has been traditionally used to treat stomach diseases, liver disorders, constipation, bloody diarrhea, dysentery, children’s fevers, haemorrhoid, and skin eruptions. Recently, it has been reported that temulawak confers various biological activities such as antitumor, hypotriglyceridaemic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antibacterial. In our research, we found that xanthorrhizol (1,3,5,10-bisabolatetraen-3-ol), isolated from the rhizome of C. xanthorrhiza, possessed remarkable anticariogenic activity against oral pathogens. Xanthorrhizol exhibited the highest antibacterial activity against Streptococcus species causing dental caries and also demonstrated antibacterial potential against Actinomyces viscosus and Porphyromonas gingivalis which are responsible for periodontitis. Xanthorrhizol killed completely Streptococcus mutans in a minute. This bactericidal activity is of practical significance, since applications of xanthorrhizol in mouthwash or toothpaste should be effective within a few minutes. Xanthorrhizol also showed a promising activity as an antibacterial agent for inhibiting and removing S. mutans biofilms. Clinical test analysis showed that xanthorrizol was active in vivo and was not toxic to the host cells. In Korea, temulawak oil has been developed and marketed as xanthorrhizol-containing toothpaste. Thus, there are some challenges and opportunities in applying temulawak for industrial oral care products.