The dentin specimens were treated with glutaraldehyde (0.5 % and 5.0 % ) and each plant-derived test solution (0.5 % ). They were subjected to ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and swelling ratio measurements. Demineralized human dentin powder was incubated with 0.02 % , 0.1 % and 0.5 % of each test agent and followed by bacterial collagenase digestion. The extent of collagen degradation was investigated using hydroxyproline assay.
The UTS and swelling ratio measurements revealed that the mechanical property of dentin was improved by the use of these natural agents. The greatest reduction in collagen degradation was shown following the use of hesperidin, proanthocyanidin, and epigallocatechin gallate at 0.5 % .
The use of hesperidin, proanthocyanidin, and epigallocatechin gallate could improve the mechanical properties of collagen and resist enzymatic degradation, leading to functional repair of pathological dentin lesion.