Abstract
Caries is a global public health problem, whose control requires the introduction of low-cost treatments, such as strong prevention strategies, minimally invasive techniques and chemical prevention agents. Nature plays an important role as a source of new antibacterial substances that can be used in the prevention of caries, and Brazil is the richest country in terms of biodiversity.Objective In this study, the disk diffusion method (DDM) was used to screen over 2,000 Brazilian Amazon plant extracts against Streptococcus mutans. Material and Methods Seventeen active plant extracts were identified and fractionated. Extracts and their fractions, obtained by liquid-liquid partition, were tested in the DDM assay and in the microdilution broth assay (MBA) to determine their minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs). The extracts were also subjected to antioxidant analysis by thin layer chromatography. Results EB271, obtained from Casearia spruceana, showed significant activity against the bacterium in the DDM assay (20.67±0.52 mm), as did EB1129, obtained from Psychotria sp. (Rubiaceae) (15.04±2.29 mm). EB1493, obtained from Ipomoea alba, was the only extract to show strong activity against Streptococcus mutans (0.08 mg/mL<MIC<0.16 mg/mL; MBC=0.16 mg/mL) in the MBA. Conclusions The active extracts, discovered in the Amazon rain forest, show potential as sources of new antibacterial agents for use as chemical coadjuvants in prevention strategies to treat caries.
Highlights
The introduction of new non-profitable therapeutic methods related to the treatment of caries disease is a challenge for low- and middleincome countries that may have effect on children’s growth and adults’ general health16
Brazil is the richest country in the world in terms of biodiversity, and its forests can be considered a potential source of new products for use as antimicrobial agents in Dentistry
The RBuOH fraction obtained from EB271 showed antibacterial activity in the disk diffusion method (DDM) assay and showed the presence of antioxidant compounds
Summary
The introduction of new non-profitable therapeutic methods related to the treatment of caries disease is a challenge for low- and middleincome countries that may have effect on children’s growth and adults’ general health. Much has already been done with the introduction of new approaches, such as minimally invasive techniques and antibiotics, as well as the popularization of and access to toothbrushes, toothpastes, mouth washers and flossing materials. Discovering new antibacterial products that can be used as coadjuvants in caries treatment and in the composition of dentifrices may add to the efficacy of oral health programs. Nature is one of the main sources of new antimicrobial molecules. During the last two decades, natural products represented one of the main sources of new drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Much research has been conducted so far, and screening programs have
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