Integrative Biology Journals

Natural Products and Bioprospecting ›› 2026, Vol. 16 ›› Issue (3): 44-44.DOI: 10.1007/s13659-026-00605-3

• REVIEW • Previous Articles    

A critical review on the roles of natural products in shaping oral microbiota and preventing chronic diseases

Yogesh Kumar1, Baojun Xu2   

  1. 1. Department of Biotechnology, Mehsana Urban Institute of Sciences, Ganpat University, Kherva, Gujarat 384012, India;
    2. Food Science and Technology Program, Department of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University, Zhuhai 519087, Guangdong, China
  • Received:2025-12-26 Online:2026-06-24
  • Contact: Baojun Xu,E-mail:baojunxu@bnbu.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    This work was supported by Guangdong Higher Education Upgrading Plan (2021-2025) with No. of UICR0400015-24B and UICR0400016-24B at Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University, Zhuhai, China.

A critical review on the roles of natural products in shaping oral microbiota and preventing chronic diseases

Yogesh Kumar1, Baojun Xu2   

  1. 1. Department of Biotechnology, Mehsana Urban Institute of Sciences, Ganpat University, Kherva, Gujarat 384012, India;
    2. Food Science and Technology Program, Department of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University, Zhuhai 519087, Guangdong, China
  • 通讯作者: Baojun Xu,E-mail:baojunxu@bnbu.edu.cn
  • 基金资助:
    This work was supported by Guangdong Higher Education Upgrading Plan (2021-2025) with No. of UICR0400015-24B and UICR0400016-24B at Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University, Zhuhai, China.

Abstract: The oral microbiome plays a central role in maintaining both oral and systemic health, and disruptions in its balance can contribute to a wide range of diseases. This review brings together current evidence on how natural products modulate oral microbial communities, promote microbial equilibrium, and help prevent conditions such as dental caries, periodontitis, and chronic systemic disorders linked to oral dysbiosis. Recent studies highlight that phytochemicals particularly polyphenols, terpenoids, saponins, and alkaloids exert antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects that influence bacterial adhesion, biofilm development, gene expression, and acid production. These compounds not only inhibit key oral pathogens but also support beneficial species, helping to sustain a stable and resilient microbiome. Evidence was gathered from PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar using relevant keywords and focusing on literature from 2015 to 2025. Insights into microbial diversity, environmental influences, host genetics, and advanced sequencing tools further strengthen understanding of oral microbial dynamics. While natural products show strong potential, challenges related to safety, bioavailability, regulatory clarity, and clinical translation remain to explore. This review outlines current progress and future directions needed to transform natural compounds into effective, evidence-based strategies for improving oral and systemic health through microbiome modulation.

Key words: Oral microbiota, Dysbiosis, Natural products, Chronic diseases, Microbiome modulation, Antimicrobial agents

摘要: The oral microbiome plays a central role in maintaining both oral and systemic health, and disruptions in its balance can contribute to a wide range of diseases. This review brings together current evidence on how natural products modulate oral microbial communities, promote microbial equilibrium, and help prevent conditions such as dental caries, periodontitis, and chronic systemic disorders linked to oral dysbiosis. Recent studies highlight that phytochemicals particularly polyphenols, terpenoids, saponins, and alkaloids exert antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects that influence bacterial adhesion, biofilm development, gene expression, and acid production. These compounds not only inhibit key oral pathogens but also support beneficial species, helping to sustain a stable and resilient microbiome. Evidence was gathered from PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar using relevant keywords and focusing on literature from 2015 to 2025. Insights into microbial diversity, environmental influences, host genetics, and advanced sequencing tools further strengthen understanding of oral microbial dynamics. While natural products show strong potential, challenges related to safety, bioavailability, regulatory clarity, and clinical translation remain to explore. This review outlines current progress and future directions needed to transform natural compounds into effective, evidence-based strategies for improving oral and systemic health through microbiome modulation.

关键词: Oral microbiota, Dysbiosis, Natural products, Chronic diseases, Microbiome modulation, Antimicrobial agents