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Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Systematic Approach to Identify Novel Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Molecules from Plants' Extracts and Fractions to Prevent Dental Caries
Published on: March 31, 2021
[Effects of the active compounds of M. officinalis on cariogenic bacteria]
Jin Feng1, Ji-yao Li, Xue-dong Zhou
1Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Chinese Ministry of Education, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China. jinjinfeng@sohu.com
Objective:
To investigate the effects of the principal biologically active compounds of M. officinalis on the growth and acid generation of the main cariogenic bacteria.
Methods:
Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguis, Actinomyces naeslundii, Actinomyces viscosus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus were chosen as the experimental bacteria. The active compounds (Magnolol and Honokiol) were separated from M. officinalis and then the effects of the two agents on the growth and acid generation of the bacteria were assessed. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimal biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) of the test strains were determined by MBEC-Device.
Results:
It was found that the growth of not only plantonic bacteria but also the biofilm were efficiently inhibited by Magnolol and Honokiol. The two agents could also inhibit the acid production of the test strains.
Conclusion:
M. officinalis may be an effective anti-caries agent, and further researches will be necessary to define its usefulness in this aspect.
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