Effects of toothpastes containing betulin or glauconite on oral immune markers

Relevance . Oral mucosal immunity plays a key role in preventing oral diseases. Secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and lysozyme are important markers of mucosal defense, and reduced levels are associated with dental caries, periodontal disease progression, and postinfectious conditions. The search for effective oral hygiene products that can modulate these markers remains a priority in preventive dentistry. Toothpastes containing betulin (patent RU 2784726 C1) and glauconite (patent RU 2785167 C1), developed at Kirov State Medical University, are effective oral hygiene products. However, their effects on immune markers in oral fluid require investigation. Objective . To assess changes in sIgA and lysozyme levels following the use of toothpastes containing betulin or glauconite. Materials and methods . Forty-five participants aged 19–25 years used one of three toothpastes for 45 days: a betulin-containing formulation, a glauconite-containing formulation, or a formulation without active ingredients. sIgA and lysozyme levels in oral fluid were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The analysis was performed with equipment supplied by TECAN (Austria), reagents manufactured by LLC “HEMA-MEDICA” (Russia), and the Human LZMc (Lysozyme C) ELISA Kit (USA). Statistical analysis of the results was carried out using the STATISTICA 12.0 software. Results . In the betulin group, sIgA levels increased by 40% ( p <0.01) and lysozyme levels by 12.5% ( p <0.01); both increases were statistically significant. In the glauconite group, sIgA levels increased significantly by 33% ( p < 0.01), whereas the 50% increase in lysozyme levels did not reach statistical significance ( p =0.06). No statistically significant changes in sIgA levels or lysozyme activity in oral fluid were observed in the placebo group. Conclusion . Use of the betulin-containing toothpaste for 45 days was associated with statistically significant increases in sIgA levels and lysozyme activity in oral fluid. These findings confirm its substantial immunomodulatory potential and support its use as part of comprehensive treatment for inflammatory periodontal diseases. The glauconite-containing toothpaste also had favorable effects on oral immune markers, primarily by increasing sIgA levels, and can therefore be considered an effective option for preventing inflammatory oral diseases.