ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECTS OF PSIDIUM GUAJAVA, SYZYGIUM CUMINI, FERULA ASAFOETIDA AND PIPER BETLE EXTRACTS AGAINST DENTAL CARIES BACTERIA

Abstract

Background: For thousands of years plants have been used to enhance health and solve medical issues but still there is abundant medicinal flora which is unrevealed through research. The present study was conducted to elucidate the in vitro antimicrobial potential of Guava leaves, Jamun tree bark, Heeng powder and Betel leaves extracts with a view of searching a novel extract as a remedy for dental caries pathogens. Material and Methods: Bacteria were isolated and identified from oral swabs taken from dental caries of four patients. Extracts prepared from Guava leaves, Jamun tree bark, Heeng powder and Betel leaves were screened for in vitro antimicrobial activity against these dental isolates, using agar well diffusion method. Result: Six bacteria identified by MALDITOF belonged mainly to the genus Bacillus and one to Brevundimonas. Guava, Jamun tree bark and Betel leaves extract effectively inhibited the growth of all dental caries isolates, but three of them showed resistance to Heeng powder extract. Conclusion: Our results suggest that these plants synthesize natural phytochemicals which have inhibitory effect on isolated oral bacteria. Furthermore, purification and molecular characterization of the active component would enable us to formulate a sustainable oral hygiene product.