Effect of Dendranthema on Expression of Bacterial Virulence Factors

Objectives: Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is one of the important bacteria in the formation of dental plaque. In the present study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of Dendranthema on S. mutans virulence factor expression.
Methods: We studied the inhibitory effect of Dendranthema on the biofilm formation of S. mutans by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and safranin staining. Real-time PCR analysis was used to determinate the effects of Dendranthema on virulence gene expressions. The chemical constituents of Dendranthema were analyzed by GC/MS.
Results: Dendranthema (0.05 – 0.5 mg/ml) inhibited the adhesion of S. mutans, and also biofilm formation on the surface of resin teeth. Real-time PCR analysis showed that the expressions of gtfB, gtfC, gtfD, spaP, gbpB, relA, brpA, and virR were decreased, when it was treated with Dendranthema. The major constituents of Dendranthema are camphor (20.89%) and β-caryophyllene (5.71%).
Conclusions: These results suggest that Dendranthema may inhibit the biofilm formation of S. mutans and virulence factor expressions