Compounds Found in Galla Chinensis Effects on Streptococcus Mutans

Objectives: Galla Chinensis, a kind of traditional Chinese medicine, has complex components. Previous studies have examined its activity of anti-inflammation and anti-bacteria. The purpose of this study was to investigate the different chemical components and compounds found in Galla Chinensis on the growth and glycolitic acid production of Streptococcus mutans. Method: Water extract of Galla Chinensis was fractioned using a Sephadex LH-20 comlumn and produced four fractions GCE-A, GCE-B, GCE-C and GCE-D. GCE-B was further fraction by the same adsorption chromatography, and Compound 1 and Compound 2 were obtained. Compound 1 and Compound 2 were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Streptococcus mutans was measured by macrodilution assay. The growth curves of Streptococcus mutans growing with Galla Chinesis compounds were examined. The glycolitic production of acid of Streptococcus mutans was monitored during a 30-min time period on the basis of pH decay measured with a pH meter (model 710 A, Orion). Results: Compound 1 and compound 2 were identified as Gallic Acid and Methyl Gallate. All the components and compounds except for GCE-A could inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans. GCE and GCE-B demonstrated marked inhibition on acid production of Streptococcus mutans at a sub-MIC concentration. The pH of the broth almost remains the same when 2mg/ml GCE present. And the pH of the broth with a low concentration of GCE 0.25mg/ml was negligible compared with that of the control group. Conclusions: The most effective components extracted from Galla Chinensis were found to be GCE and GCE-B. They appear to be a promising source of new agents that may prevent dental caries. Support for this study is provided from Chinese Natural Science Grant (Grant No.30171175)