Inhibition of Streptococcus mutans. Adhesion to Buccal Epithelial Cells by an Aqueous Twigs Extract of Salvadora persica.

Abstract

The effect of preincubation of either Streptococcus mutans. or buccal epithelial cells (BECs) with different concentrations of aqueous Salvadora. twigs extract (ASTE) was investigated, as well as the effect of mouth rinse with ASTE and chlorhexidine digluconate on the adhesion of bacterial cells to BEC. Inhibition (54–87%) of bacterial adhesion to preincubated BECs with ASTE was obtained compared to 47–94% adhesion inhibition to BECs when bacterial cells were preincubated with ASTE. There was a significant reduction in the adherence of bacterial cells to BECs (84%) after mouth rinse with 20% ASTE compared to 45% adhesion inhibition with chlorhexidine digluconate. The diminished adherence of S. mutans. to BECs after exposure to various concentrations of ASTE may have clinical relevance.