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Systematic Approach to Identify Novel Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Molecules from Plants' Extracts and Fractions to Prevent Dental Caries
Published on: March 31, 2021
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.
Objectives:
Prunus mume is a common fruit in Asia, which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine. In this study, we focused on the antimicrobial properties of Prunus mume extract against oral pathogens related to dental caries and periodontal diseases.
Study Design:
A total of 15 oral pathogens including Streptococcus mutans, S. sobrinus, S. mitis, S. sanguinis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, P. gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, and Candida species were included in the study. Initially, agar diffusion assay was performed to screen the antimicrobial activities of Prunus mume extract. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were then determined for sensitive species. Effect of Prunus mume extract on human oral keratinocytes (HOK) viability was also tested.
Result:
In the agar diffusion assay, drug suspension of 2 g/mL was able to inhibit all the bacterial species tested, but not the fungal species. MIC and MBC range of Prunus mume extract against the oral bacteria was 0.15625-0.0003 g/mL and P. gingivalis being the most susceptible species. Prune extract did not cause any detrimental effect on HOK.
Conclusion:
Prunus mume extract may be a potential candidate for developing an oral antimicrobial agent to control or prevent dental diseases associated with oral pathogenic bacteria.
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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