The effect of a poly-herbal plant extract on the adhesion of streptococcus mutans to tooth enamel

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Authors

Henley-Smith, Cynthia J.
Kok, Anna-Mari
Botha, Francien Susanna
Baker, Chantelle
Lall, Namrita

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

BMC

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Dental caries, also known as tooth decay or cavity formation, is one of the world’s most widespread dental conditions. It is a plaque-related infection caused mainly by Streptococcus mutans. People have relied on several plant species to treat oral infections; Heteropyxis natalensis, for example, has been used to treat toothache and gum infections. METHODS: In this study, the antimicrobial and anti-adherence properties of H. natalensis and Camellia sinensis, as well as tea tree and peppermint essential oils were investigated on tooth enamel. RESULTS: The bacterial load of S. mutans was reduced by approximately two orders of a magnitude after 48 h, with a lesser extent on the commensal bacteria, Lactobacillus paracasei. Scanning electron micrographs of enamel blocks showed a reduction in the attachment and chain formation of S. mutans and degraded cell morphology. Lastly, the combination and each component individually, showed low to no cellular toxicity when tested on human macrophages. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of this polyherbal regarding its selectivity and potential prevention of dental caries.

Description

DATA AVAILABITY STATEMENT: No datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.

Keywords

Anti-adherence, Caries, Heteropyxis natalensis, Lactobacillus paracasei, Oral cavity, Streptococcus mutans, SDG-03: Good health and well-being, SDG-12: Responsible consumption and production

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG-03:Good heatlh and well-being
SDG-12:Responsible consumption and production

Citation

Henley-Smith, C.J., Kok, AM., Botha, F.S. et al. The effect of a poly-herbal plant extract on the adhesion of Streptococcus mutans to tooth enamel. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies 24, 402 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-024-04707-8.