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BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies
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Open Access 01-12-2024 | Streptococci | Research

The effect of a poly-herbal plant extract on the adhesion of Streptococcus mutans to tooth enamel

Authors: Cynthia J. Henley-Smith, Anna-Mari Kok, Francien S. Botha, Chantelle Baker, Namrita Lall

Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Background

Dental caries, also known as tooth decay or cavity formation, is one of the world’s most widespread dental conditions. It is a plaque-related infection caused mainly by Streptococcus mutans. People have relied on several plant species to treat oral infections; Heteropyxis natalensis, for example, has been used to treat toothache and gum infections.

Methods

In this study, the antimicrobial and anti-adherence properties of H. natalensis and Camellia sinensis, as well as tea tree and peppermint essential oils were investigated on tooth enamel.

Results

The bacterial load of S. mutans was reduced by approximately two orders of a magnitude after 48 h, with a lesser extent on the commensal bacteria, Lactobacillus paracasei. Scanning electron micrographs of enamel blocks showed a reduction in the attachment and chain formation of S. mutans and degraded cell morphology. Lastly, the combination and each component individually, showed low to no cellular toxicity when tested on human macrophages.

Conclusions

This is the first report of this polyherbal regarding its selectivity and potential prevention of dental caries.
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Metadata
Title
The effect of a poly-herbal plant extract on the adhesion of Streptococcus mutans to tooth enamel
Authors
Cynthia J. Henley-Smith
Anna-Mari Kok
Francien S. Botha
Chantelle Baker
Namrita Lall
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 2662-7671
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-024-04707-8

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