The Antimicrobial Effect of Some Selected Nigerian Chewing Sticks on Clinical Isolates of Candida Species

Osho A,Adelani O A

doi:10.5923/j.microbiology.20120201.01

Abstract

Extracts of selected chewing sticks ( Fagarazan thoxyloides, Anogeissus leiocarpus and Diste moranthus benthamianus ) obtained in Ibadan metropolis, were assayed for their antifungal activities against Candida sp(C. albicans, C. kruseiand C. tropicalis). Aqueous and ethanolic extractions were carried out to obtain the active ingredients of the chewing sticks. The agar diffusion method was used to assay the antifungal activity of the extracts. Both the aqueous and ethanol extracts of all the chewing sticks exhibited inhibitory activity on the growth of C. albicans, C. krusei and C. tropicalis. The zones of inhibition produced by the different extracts against the Candida species were significantly different at standard of mean. Data from the present study have shown the chewing sticks as a potential candidate for the production of dentifrice and other natural products for oral hygiene and treatment of tooth problems.

Highlights

The use of chewing sticks has been documented since ancient times
This paper examines the inhibitory activity of some selected Nigerian chewing sticks extracts against selected clinical isolates of Candida species
The results of the antimicrobial assay depict that the aqueous and ethanol extracts of the plant parts demonstrated inhibitory activity on the growth of the three tested fungi. These results are contrary to earlier reports [35; 36,37] who indicated that there was no activity of A. leiocarpusextract on C. albicans

Summary

Introduction

The use of chewing sticks has been documented since ancient times. This kind of tooth brushing has been used by the Babylonians some 7000 years ago[1]. Some African chewing sticks are reported to contain fluoride ions, silicon, tannic acid, sodium bicarbonate and other natural plaque inhibiting substances that can reduce bacterial colonization and plaque formation[3]. The repeated process of using chewing sticks releases fresh sap containing fluoride, which seems to wet the tooth enamel and adequately reach caries susceptible sites and contribute towards caries prevention[4]. Tannin exerts an astringent effect on the mucous membrane, reducing the clinically detectable gingivitis[5]. Tannins inhibit the action of glucosyltransferase reducing plaque and gingivitis[6].

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Results

Conclusion