Phytochemical Screening and Antibacterial Effect of Onion against Oral Pathogenic Bacteria

Abstract

Dental caries remains a major health problem. This problem along with the antibiotic resistance has created a renewed interest to search for new other antimicrobial substances from various sources including medicinal plants. This study was carried out to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of onion and its effect on oral pathogenic bacteria responsible for tooth decay and mouth odour. Two were used in the study (shallot and red Creole ), and their activities against the oral pathogenic bacteria were compared with fluoride toothpaste. The method of extraction employed was soxhlet extraction using methanol as the solvent. The extract at different concentrations was then applied to the cultured bacteria (streptoccousmutans). The results shows that Red Creole (alliumcepa.varcepa ) at 200mg/ml, 100mg/ml and 50mg/ml shows 6mm, 4mm and 3mm zones of inhibition, respectively, while the Shallot (alliumcepavar. Aggregatum)species at the same concentrations respective concentrations shows inhibitions of 3mm, 1mm and 0. The results of chemical test carried out revealed that tannin, saponin, alkaloid, anthraquinones and flavonoid were present in the extract.