Anticariogenic effect of herbal extracts and other commercial products against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus: An in vitro study.

CONTEXT: Dental caries remains a global health concern. While various prophylactic agents, including probiotics and other compounds, have been used, the search for effective natural solutions continues. Herbal products are valued for their anticariogenic properties. Mouthwashes help prevent bad breath, decay, and dry mouth. NaF rinse aids remineralization. This study explores the safety and efficacy of mango twigs, orange peel, and coconut oil as sustainable alternatives.

AIM: This study aimed to compare the anticariogenic effects of sodium fluoride, xylitol, probiotics, and various herbal extracts on Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A microbiological assay assessed the zone of inhibition against S. mutans and L. acidophilus using 120 agar plates divided into six groups (20 plates/group), each further split into two subgroups (10 plates each), based on the bacteria smeared. The antibacterial effects of mango twig extract, orange peel extract, coconut oil, xylitol, probiotics and 0.2% sodium fluoride were tested. Each extract (50 μl) was inoculated, incubated at 37°C for 72 h, and inhibition zones measured.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Analysis of variance with Tukey's post hoc test was used for analysis.

RESULTS

Extracts from orange peel and mango twigs had notable antibacterial activity, unlike VCO, probiotics, and xylitol, which showed little to no effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Within this study's limits, ethanolic orange peel extract showed the strongest antimicrobial effect, followed by 0.2% NaF, mango twig extract, VCO, probiotics, and xylitol in decreasing order.