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Green tea catechins showed antibacterial activity on streptococcus mutans -An in vitro study
Sanjeevini A Hattarki1, Chetana Bogar2, Kishore G Bhat2
1Department of Periodontology, Maratha Mandal's NGH Institute of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Belagavi, Karnataka, India.
Summary
Green tea extract Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) effectively inhibited Streptococcus mutans, a key bacterium in dental caries. This study demonstrates EGCG
Area of Science:
- Oral microbiology
- Natural product chemistry
- Dental research
Background:
- Streptococcus mutans is the primary bacterial agent in dental caries.
- Green tea (Camellia sinensis) possesses antibacterial and anti-cariogenic properties.
- Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a major catechin in green tea responsible for its beneficial effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antibacterial effect of green tea catechins, specifically EGCG, on Streptococcus mutans.
- To assess EGCG's antimicrobial efficacy using disc diffusion and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) tests at various concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized commercially pure EGCG extract.
- Employed disc diffusion tests at 50, 75, and 100 μg/mL concentrations.
- Determined Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values for EGCG against S. mutans.
Main Results:
- Disc diffusion showed inhibition zones against S. mutans: 10.33 mm (50 μg/mL), 15.33 mm (75 μg/mL), and 28.67 mm (100 μg/mL).
- The mean MIC value of EGCG against S. mutans was determined to be 1.07 μg/mL.
- EGCG demonstrated dose-dependent antibacterial activity against S. mutans.
Conclusions:
- Green tea catechins, particularly EGCG, exhibit significant anti-cariogenic potential.
- EGCG effectively reduces the presence of Streptococcus mutans in the oral cavity.
- EGCG holds promise for developing novel dentifrices and mouthwashes for caries prevention.
