Anticariogenic Effect of Neem and Betel Leaf-AN Invitro Study

In developing countries chewing of neem and betel leaf is a common practice, especially among the rural population. The beneficial effects of neem are very well documented. Streptococcus mutans has been implicated as the primary causative agent of dental caries. OBJECTIVES: Hence this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of neem (Azadiracta indica) and betel (Piper betel) leaves on growth of Streptococcus mutans. METHODS: Pure extracts of neem and betel leaves were prepared using both distilled water and methanol. The extracts were analysed for their chemical composition. In order to study their effect on Streptococcus mutans growth, various concentrations of each extract were prepared. Streptococcus mutans was cultured on Mueller Hinton Agar (MHA) and transferred to Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) broth to prepare a suspension, which was spread evenly over the agar plate. Fifty micro-litres of each extract concentration were micropipetted into wells prepared on the plate. This was done in triplicate. Following incubation for 24hours at 37ºC, the inhibition zones were measured. RESULTS: Both neem and betel leaf extracts showed an inhibitory effect on Streptococcus mutans. CONCLUSION: The polyphenols present in these extracts make, neem and betel leaves an economical and easily available method of caries prevention.