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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
Antimicrobial effect of Pentaclethra Macroloba plant extract against Enterococcus Faecalis
M L Gioster-Ramos1, V F Pedrinha2, M C Barros2
1Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" - UNESP, Faculdade de Odontologia, Departamento de Materiais Odontológicos e Prótese, Araraquara, SP, Brasil.
Abstract:
This study evaluated the antimicrobial efficacy of a new intracanal drug based on Pentaclethra macroloba extract, a plant of Amazonian origin, against Enterococcus faecalis using macrodilution test and intratubular evaluation with Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the pure extract of Pentaclethra macroloba andits association with calcium hydroxide and ultracall were determined. Then, thirty-three dentin cylinders were prepared and inoculated with E. faecalis, to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of the medications on the dentinal tubules with CLSM. The data was analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests. The extract in association with calcium hydroxide showed a lower CBM, and in the intratubular test all tested medications were effective against E. faecalis (P >0.05). The new intracanal drug based on P. macroloba extract has an antimicrobial effect against E. faecalis and further studies are needed for its clinical use.
Insights
A new intracanal drug from Pentaclethra macroloba extract shows antimicrobial effects against Enterococcus faecalis. Combined with calcium hydroxide, it demonstrated the lowest minimum bactericidal concentration, proving effective in dentinal tubules.
Area of Science:
- Endodontics
- Microbiology
- Natural Products
Background:
- Enterococcus faecalis is a resilient bacterium frequently found in persistent root canal infections.
- Intracanal medications are crucial for eliminating microorganisms within the root canal system.
- Exploring novel antimicrobial agents from natural sources is vital for endodontic treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of a Pentaclethra macroloba extract-based intracanal drug against Enterococcus faecalis.
- To determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the extract alone and in combination with calcium hydroxide and ultracall.
- To assess the efficacy of these medications within dentinal tubules using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM).
Main Methods:
- Macrodilution tests were performed to determine MIC and MBC values.
- Dentin cylinders were prepared and inoculated with E. faecalis.
- Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) was used to visualize the antimicrobial effect on bacteria within dentinal tubules.
- Statistical analysis was conducted using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests.
Main Results:
- The Pentaclethra macroloba extract combined with calcium hydroxide exhibited the lowest minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC).
- All tested intracanal medications demonstrated effectiveness against E. faecalis within the dentinal tubules in the CLSM evaluation (P >0.05).
- The pure extract also showed antimicrobial activity, though specific MIC/MBC values were determined.
Conclusions:
- The novel intracanal drug formulation based on Pentaclethra macroloba extract possesses significant antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecalis.
- The combination with calcium hydroxide appears to enhance bactericidal efficacy.
- Further research is warranted to explore the clinical applicability of this Amazonian plant extract in endodontic therapy.
