Antibacterial Activity of Myristica fragrans against Oral Pathogens

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Microbiology
• Natural Product Chemistry
• Oral Health Research

Background:

• Myristica fragrans Houtt (nutmeg) is a spice crop cultivated in Penang Island, Malaysia.
• Cariogenic and periodontopathic bacteria pose significant threats to oral health.
• Natural compounds are increasingly explored for antimicrobial applications in oral hygiene.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the bactericidal potential of Myristica fragrans extracts against key oral pathogens.
• To determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) of various extracts.
• To identify potent Myristica fragrans components for incorporation into oral care products.

Main Methods:

• Extraction of Myristica fragrans flesh, mace, and seed using ethyl acetate and ethanol.
• Testing antibacterial activity against Gram-positive (Streptococcus spp.) and Gram-negative (Aggregatibacter, Porphyromonas, Fusobacterium spp.) bacteria.
• Determination of MIC and MBC values using twofold serial microdilution and subculturing methods.

Main Results:

• Ethyl acetate extract of Myristica fragrans flesh demonstrated the highest significant inhibitory and bactericidal effects against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
• Ethanol extracts of seed and mace showed good antibacterial activity compared to their ethyl acetate counterparts.
• No antibacterial activity was observed against Fusobacterium nucleatum ATCC 25586 for any of the tested extracts.

Conclusions:

• Myristica fragrans extracts, particularly the ethyl acetate extract of flesh, possess significant antibacterial properties against common oral pathogens.
• These findings support the potential of Myristica fragrans extracts as novel natural agents for use in oral care formulations.
• Further research may focus on optimizing extraction and formulation for enhanced efficacy in preventing oral diseases.