In vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Salvadora persica (Miswak) and of Syzigium aromaticum (Clove) Extracts against Dental Plaque Pathogens

Abstract

Objective: Some periodontal bacteria on tooth plaque were shown to be sensitive to extracts from Syzigium aromaticum and Salvadora persica. Our study was an assessment of the antimicrobial effect of Syzigium aromaticum and Salvadora persica extracts against dental plague pathogens.Materials and Methods: Thirty-five 35 oral swabs were taken from the patients who had the dental plague and isolated microorganisms were identified by standard bacteriological methods. Syzigium aromaticum and Salvadora persica extracts were tested against dental plaque microorganisms on Muller Hinton agar, antimicrobial activity of the two extracts was done by paper disks-diffusion technique at 50% concentration and characterized by inhibition zones. Results: Forty-six (46) microorganisms were isolated from 35 dental plague samples,18 isolates were Staphylococcus aureus, 3 isolates were Staphylococcus epidermidis, 6 isolates were Streptococcus mutans, 12 isolates were Streptococcus viridans, 1 isolate each of Pseudomonas aeruginosa., Proteus spp., Bacillus spp., 2 isolates were Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and 2 isolates were Candida albicans. The zones of inhibition for two different extracts were measured. According to the findings, Syzigium aromaticum and Salvadora persica have antibacterial and antifungal effects against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungi.Conclusion: Our study has shown that Syzigium aromaticum and Salvadora persica extracts have antimicrobial efficacy and concluded that the extracts have shown a greater effect on oral microorganisms and are recommended to be used for treatment and prevention against oral hygiene.