Effect of Stevia rebaudiana on the growth of Streptococcus mutans

Abstract

Objetive To compare the effect of Stevia rebaudiana in concentrations of 25 mcg. and 50 mcg. in the growth of Streptococcus mutans . Materials and Methods: The research was experimental in vitro. It was used Stevia rebaudiana sweeteners from the brands "Stevita" and "Stevia via" on S. mutans strains ATCC 35668. The strains were seeded in Petri dishes, containing Mueller Hinton agar, and the culture was incubated, in a microaerophilic jar, in a CO 2 atmosphere, for 24 and 48 hours at 35 ° C. Both of them sweeteners were diluted in distilled water, to allocate 100 ul of the solutions in 6 mm wells. of diameter. Finally, the inhibition halos were measured with a Vernier caliper. Results: For a statistical analysis a t student test was used, with a significance level (p <0.05). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Stevia rebaudiana "Stevia Via" on the culture of S. mutans was 25 mcg. and 50 mcg. where it was found a p = 0.01. with the application of this sweetener, inhibition halos were observed in the strains of S. mutans of 11.6 mm and 12 mm. with concentrations of 25 mcg. and 50 mcg, respectively. With the sweetener from Stevia rebaudiana "Stevita", inhibition halos of 6 mm of diameter were observed in both concentrations. Conclusions: The use of the sweetener Stevia rebaudiana : Stevia Vía had an inhibitory effect on Streptococcus mutans strains.