A comparative study on the effect of Massularia acuminata and mouthwash against isolates from the oral cavity

Abstract

Aim: This research determines the antimicrobial activity of 'PakoIjebu' chewing stick (Massularia acuminata) and some common mouthwashes (Hexedene®, Brett®, and Listerine®) against some isolates of the oral cavity.Settings and Design: The samples were obtained by the use of sterile swab stick to isolate the microorganisms (Streptococcus oralis, Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus species, Klebsiella species, Neissera sicca, Micrococcus species, Muccor, Aspergillus flavus and Giosporium) from the oral cavity of healthy undergraduate students of Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria using standard microbiological techniques. The sensitivity test, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined.Results: The aqueous and ethanol extract of Massularia acuminata had an MIC of 25 mg/mL which was similar to those of commercially available mouth wash analyzed in the study. The ethanol extract of Massularia acuminata was bactericidal against Lactobacilus species, Streptococcus oralis and Neissera sicca at a concentration of 50 mg/mL which suggests that the extract is more effective compared to the tested mouth wash. Among the mouth wash, only Listerine was bactericidal against Neissera sicca at an MBC of 50 mg/mL. Conclusion: This study confirmed the age long belief that those who use Massularia acuminate regularly for their oral care has a low rate of oral infections; therefore, extract of Massularia acuminata could be incorporated into tooth paste or used as mouth wash for periodontal infections.