Herbal Formulation Against Dental Caries Causing Microorganisms Using Extracts of Stevia Rebaudiana Leaves (A Natural Sweetner)

Abstract

Stevia Rebaudiana leaves have functional and sensory properties superior to those of many other high-potency sweeteners. Dental caries is an infectious microbiological disease that affects almost every human. There is a linear correlation of sugar consumption with dental caries in populations worldwide. Present invention was directed to design and develop Stevia based polyherbal formulation with enhanced performance in oral care as Stevia inhibits the growth of dental caries causing microorganisms. In the present study, twelve pure isolates grown on Snyder agar medium and five MTCC strains i.e. Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, Curvularia lunata, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis were screened for antimicrobial activity through agar well diffusion method. Metabolites from plant leaves were extracted using six different solvents and investigated for phytochemical properties. Few cultures were found to be belonging to Staphylococcus species, Bacillus sp., Clostridium sp., Neisseria sp., and Escherichia. coli. On the basis of maximum zone of inhibition produced against cultures, diethyl ether extracts of plant were effective against bacteria and fungi, followed by petroleum ether and chloroform and finally minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of extracts were performed. The phytochemical screening of different extracts of Stevia showed the presence of various secondary metabolites. Herbal formulation prepared in diethyl ether extract displayed significant bioactivity against all twelve isolated cultures and standard cultures. The study holds importance as one needs to be familiarized with alternatives to sugar and type of food products that are available with substitute sweetening agents, as we have the responsibility to reduce the incidence of dental caries by emphasizing the role of sugars in caries formation. Keywords: Stevia rebaudiana, dental caries, herbal formulation, antimicrobial, phytochemical, snyder media.