Muntingia Calabura Leaves Extract for Anti-Adherence Streptococcus Mutans (In-vitro Studies)

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of polyphenol-containing Muntingia calabura leaves in inhibiting the formation of plaque bacteria Streptococcus mutans. Methods: The study design was an in-vitro experimental design with a control group. Streptococcus mutans was cultured in BHI (Brain Heart Infusion) medium. Dried leaves of the Muntingia calabura plant weighing 50 grams were dissolved in methanol by maceration method. This resulted in 10ml Muntingia calabura polyphenol extract. Extracts were divided into five groups, namely negative control, positive control, dose 0.625ml, 1.25ml, and 1.875ml. Enamel of human maxillary first incisors were cut into 25 blocks, and soaked in the plant extract along with added milk containing sucrose. For negative control, enamel is only incubated with S.mutans without being given sucrose and extract, whereas for positive control, enamel is added sucrose and incubated with S.mutans without extract. The speciments were incubated anaerobically for 2x24 hours with S.mutans 10⁸/cc. The speciments were gently irrigated with NaCl 0.9% to remove any non-adherent bacteria, and then washed with distilled water. Disclosing agent was enable measurement of plaque on the enamel surface. The ratio (in percent) of the area covered with plaque (coloured area) to the complete surface area of tooth enamel was calculated by a computerized method. Results: The higher ratio is the more plaque formation in the tooth enamel. Ratio of the comparison coloured area to the complete surface enamel for negative control was 0.69%, positive control ratio was 0.61%, 0.625ml dose ratio was 0.21%, 1.25ml dose ratio was 0.53%, and 1.875ml dose ratio was 0.35%. The one-way ANOVA statistical test showed that dose 0.625ml was significantly different (p< 0.05) from dose 1.25ml and 1.875ml. Conclusion: Muntingia calabura leaves containing polyphenols can inhibit the formation of plaque bacteria Streptococcus mutans, and the most effective dose is 0.625 ml.