Therapeutic Potential of Trolox and Its Synthetic Derivatives as Multifunctional Bioactive Molecules in Periodontal Disease Management.

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory problem that has destructive effects on the tooth-supporting tissues. This disease affects a large portion of the population, influencing overall health and quality of life, and significant socioeconomic burden. Therefore, efforts to more effectively manage the problems caused by this disease are a necessity. This review describes the therapeutic potential of Trolox (a water-soluble analogue of vitamin E) and its modified derivatives as potential candidates for managing periodontal disease, highlighting their multifaceted pharmacological properties. Unlike the lipophilic molecule vitamin E, Trolox can be formulated into aqueous solutions, gels, mouthwashes, or rinses, ensuring optimal bioavailability at sites of inflammation and infection in the oral cavity. This compound can also help treat periodontal disease by combating oxidative stress, where its antioxidant properties neutralize harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS), reducing tissue damage and bone loss caused by undesired conditions such as bacterial imbalance. In addition to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Trolox and its derivatives exhibit various pharmacological activities against diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection, and periodontopathogens, all of which are associated with the development of periodontal disease. In conclusion, this review suggests that Trolox and some of its derivatives with favorable activity/toxicity profiles have significant potential to be considered as new drug candidates for combating periodontal diseases.