Blackberries are a rich source of polyphenols. In particular, blackberries contain high amounts of the flavonoid subgroup of polyphenols and of these anthocyanins make up a large majority. Anthocyanins are known to be bioavailable in humans and may confer significant health benefits to those who regularly consume them. However, anthocyanins may also have beneficial effects before they are absorbed. Evidence suggests that anthocyanins may confer protection to teeth as they possess antimicrobial effects. For example, in one study, blackberry anthocyanins reduce growth of three bacteria known to be a cause of tooth decay, P. gingivalis, F. nucleatum and S. mutans. However, control cells which consisted of epithelial cells (that would normally make up the walls of the oral cavity) did not have their growth inhibited by the blackberry anthocyanins. This suggests that anthocyanins possess antimicrobial effects and may help protect teeth from the damaging effects of tooth decay.
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