Formulation and antimicrobial activity of a probiotic mouth freshener with phycoerythrin, Artemisia aucheri and encapsulated Lactobacillus bifidus targeting Streptococcus mutans.

INTRODUCTION: Streptococcus mutans is a natural flora bacterium found in the human oral cavity, responsible for tooth decay and bad breath. The rising financial costs of oral healthcare in most low- and middle-income countries have led to an increased focus on preventive measures against tooth decay using natural compounds.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: The mouth freshener tablets were formulated in four treatments (T1: Tablet containing PE; T2: Tablet containing microencapsulated L. bifidus; T3: Tablet containing A. aucheri essential oil; T4: Tablet containing PE + microencapsulated L. bifidus + A. aucheri essential oil).

RESULTS: Statistical analysis of antibacterial activity showed that S. mutans exhibited the highest sensitivity to formulations containing + PE + L. bifidus + A. aucheri. Additionally, simulated gastrointestinal conditions over 120 min indicated the lowest and highest probiotic bacterial viability in formulations containing + PE + L. bifidus and +PE + L. bifidus + A. aucheri, respectively (P < 0.05). Histological analysis of the prepared tablets demonstrated that the addition of microencapsulated bacteria and A. aucheri essential oil significantly reduced tablet hardness, cohesion, and textural integrity (P < 0.05), though it did not significantly affect elasticity. Furthermore, antioxidant activity tests revealed an increase in antioxidant capacity in chewable tablets containing PE and A. aucheri essential oil. Despite the reduced sensory evaluation scores for taste and odor in PE-containing tablets, A. aucheri essential oil improved taste and odor, mitigating PE's undesirable effects. In contrast, PE significantly enhanced color and texture sensory evaluations.

CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that chewable tablets based on PE and A. aucheri essential oil demonstrated potential to prevent tooth decay and, due to their antioxidant properties, may also have a role in managing factors related to oral ulcers. However, these findings are based on in vitro studies, and further clinical research is needed to confirm their safety in oral healthcare.