IADR Abstract Archives
Influence of Naturally Occurring Phytochemicals on Viability of Streptococcus mutans
Objectives: Multifactorial approaches to dental caries prevention ideally require combining the physiochemical effects of fluoride with agents that can ecologically modify plaque biofilms. Current preventive paradigms emphasise that the key to long-term caries control is to undermine cariogenic virulence factors responsible for biofilm dysbiosis, while promoting a healthy resident oral microbiome. Specific bioactive phytochemicals sourced from natural products have the potential to beneficially alter the cariogenic biofilm and synergistically augment the cariostatic effects of fluoride. The study aimed to evaluate the influence of highly-purified phytochemicals on Streptococcus mutans.
Methods: Microdilution assays were performed on planktonic cultures of S. mutans to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of a range of highly purified phytochemicals obtained by the supercritical CO2 technology, using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Eight phytochemicals were assessed for antimicrobial properties using twofold dilution series in a 96-well microtiter plates. Following incubation at 37 °C for 24 h, the optical density was determined spectrometrically at 600 nm. All assays were performed in triplicate, on three independent occasions.
Results: The eight phytochemicals tested showed varying levels of inhibition against S. mutans. Xanthorrhizol, isolated from Javanese turmeric, exhibited the lowest MIC (4 μg/ml), followed by macelignan from nutmeg (8 μg/ml), licorice (200 μg/ml), ginger (275 μg/ml), cinnamon (341 μg/ml), peppermint (375 μg/ml), rosemary (400-800 μg/ml), and hop (800 μg/ml).
Conclusions: Phytochemicals affect the viability of S. mutans in planktonic phase and are likely to benefit oral microbial communities by altering the ecology of plaque biofilms. Further investigations of the effects of phytochemicals on oral biofilms are warranted.
Methods: Microdilution assays were performed on planktonic cultures of S. mutans to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of a range of highly purified phytochemicals obtained by the supercritical CO2 technology, using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Eight phytochemicals were assessed for antimicrobial properties using twofold dilution series in a 96-well microtiter plates. Following incubation at 37 °C for 24 h, the optical density was determined spectrometrically at 600 nm. All assays were performed in triplicate, on three independent occasions.
Results: The eight phytochemicals tested showed varying levels of inhibition against S. mutans. Xanthorrhizol, isolated from Javanese turmeric, exhibited the lowest MIC (4 μg/ml), followed by macelignan from nutmeg (8 μg/ml), licorice (200 μg/ml), ginger (275 μg/ml), cinnamon (341 μg/ml), peppermint (375 μg/ml), rosemary (400-800 μg/ml), and hop (800 μg/ml).
Conclusions: Phytochemicals affect the viability of S. mutans in planktonic phase and are likely to benefit oral microbial communities by altering the ecology of plaque biofilms. Further investigations of the effects of phytochemicals on oral biofilms are warranted.