Prunus mume extract exhibits antimicrobial activity against pathogenic oral bacteria

Chamida J Seneviratne1, Ricky W K Wong, Urban Hägg

  • 1Department of Oral Biosciences, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.

Abstract

Insights

Prunus mume extract shows significant antimicrobial activity against oral bacteria linked to dental diseases. This natural compound effectively inhibits pathogens without harming oral cells, suggesting its potential for oral health applications.

Area of Science:

  • Oral microbiology
  • Natural product chemistry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Prunus mume (Prune) is utilized in traditional Asian medicine.
  • Dental caries and periodontal diseases stem from oral pathogenic bacteria.
  • Investigating natural compounds for oral antimicrobial properties is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of Prunus mume extract against oral pathogens.
  • To determine the safety of Prunus mume extract on human oral keratinocytes.

Main Methods:

  • Agar diffusion assay for initial screening.
  • Determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC).
  • Assessment of Prunus mume extract's effect on human oral keratinocyte (HOK) viability.

Main Results:

  • Prunus mume extract inhibited all tested bacterial species but not fungal species.
  • The extract exhibited a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) range of 0.15625-0.0003 g/mL.
  • Prunus mume extract demonstrated no adverse effects on HOK viability.

Conclusions:

  • Prunus mume extract possesses potent antimicrobial properties against oral bacteria.
  • It shows promise as a natural agent for controlling oral pathogens.
  • Further development of Prunus mume extract as an oral antimicrobial agent for dental disease prevention is warranted.

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