Analysis of cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of robusta coffee bean extract-based toothpaste in vitro

The phenolic compounds in Robusta Coffee Bean Extract (RCBE) have strong antioxidant properties that provide a promising profile as natural ingredients in oral care formulation. However, there is limited evidence on the biological safety and functional performance of RCBE in toothpaste formulations. Therefore, this study investigates the cytotoxicity and antioxidant activity of toothpaste containing RCBE in vitro by using fibroblast cell cultures and DPPH radical-scavenging assays, respectively. Herein, both formulations showed concentration-dependent antioxidant activities, with significantly higher levels of free-radical inhibition obtained at higher RCBE levels. The cytotoxicity assay using MTT demonstrated that low to moderate extract concentrations maintained the viability of the fibroblasts above 70%, thereby indicating an acceptable biocompatibility, although higher concentrations reduced viabilities that were within tolerable biological limits. These results suggest that the balance between antioxidant potency and cellular safety is favorable for RCBE-based toothpaste; therefore, it may be used as a functional natural adjunct in oral health products.