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A plant compound found in apples, figs and guava could one day replace antibiotics in treating gum disease, according to a new study.

Scientists from São Paulo State University's Araraquara School of Dentistry in Brazil tested morin — a naturally occurring compound extracted from the peels and leaves of certain fruits and vegetables — on bacterial biofilms that mimicked gum disease.

In the lab studies, they found that the morin-based powder showed antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on the bacteria, according to the paper, published this month in the journal Archives of Oral Biology.

SCIENTISTS REVEAL FOUR NEW DISCOVERIES ABOUT HOW BEER AND WINE ACTUALLY AFFECT YOUR BODY

"The idea is to take advant

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