Efficacy of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extracts against Cariogenic Biofilm

Moringa oleifera leaves are beneficial for human health. Dental caries is closely related with cariogenic biofilm, which is an oral biofilm containing a high proportion of Streptococcus mutans. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial effects of the M. oleifera leaf extracts on S. mutans and formation of cariogenic biofilm. Extract from M. oleifera leaves was derived using distilled water (DW) and ethyl alcohol (EtOH). S. mutans susceptibility assays were performed for each extract. Cariogenic biofilm was formed with or without DW and EtOH extract, and cariogenic biofilm was treated with both extracts. The biofilm was observed by confocal laser microscopy, and the bacteria in the biofilm were counted. Both extracts showed antimicrobial activity against S. mutans and inhibited formation of cariogenic biofilm. The EtOH extracts exhibited anti-biofilm activity. M. oleifera leaves may be potential candidates to prevent dental caries.