The Antimicrobial and Physico-Mechanical Properties of Jasmine Extract-Based Chewing Gums

Objectives: This study aimed to incorporate extracts of two different types of Jasmine leaves and them in chewing gum (CG). Furthermore, to evaluate the, antimicrobial properties, and their effect on tooth surfaces.
Methods: The extract of Jasmine leaves (Arabic and Indian) was collected through acid-hydrolysis method. The extracts (10wt.%) were mixed in the composition of CG. CG samples were tested for antimicrobial effect using Streptococcus aureus. Liquid extracts of jasmine were tested using Candida albicans. Samples were subjected on extracted teeth and micro-hardness test was performed chewing simulation (5 days; 15 mins per day). Structural analysis of the liquid extract, CG, and teeth samples before and after chewing were conducted with the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Statistical analysis was done with one-way ANOVA post hoc tukey’s test.
Results: The extracts were obtained successfully and confirmed with the FTIR spectra. The C=O peak was observed at 1720cm^-1 and C-O-C peak appeared at 1050cm^-1. The FTIR spectra also confirmed the presence of extracts in CG. The antimicrobial test showed non-significant differences between Arabian and Indian Jasmine extracted CGs, where zone of inhibition was 20 mm and 18 mm, respectively. The liquid jasmine extract showed significant result against Candida albicans with zone of inhibition ranging from 14-18 mm. In micro-hardness test, the value was higher for the first three days in plain CG (468.4, 453.1, 435.3) with p-value~0.015 than Arabian CG (350.3, 392.3, 416.5) with p-value~0.005, and Indian CG (314.3, 301.4, 401.5) with p-value~0.5, respectively. While on 5^th day, the values were 436.5, 434.6, 435.4 HV, respectively. The FTIR spectra showed changes on the enamel surface and the extracts were found on the surface after chewing.
Conclusions: Plant extract is a potent antibacterial and antifungal herb. The jasmine CG may affect the hardness of the teeth and may bring structural changes on tooth surfaces.