Cariogenic Properties Of Streptococcus Mutans Research Articles

The Inhibitory Effect of Agastache rugosa Essential Oil on the Dental Biofilm

This study aimed to identify the inhibitory effect of Agastache rugosa essential oil (AREO) on the cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans, which causes dental caries and dental plaque formation. After extracting the AREO, their effects on the growth and acid production of S. mutans were examined. Furthermore, S. mutans biofilm formation was observed on the resin teeth surface. The effect on the expression of biofilm-related genes of S. mutans was measured using real-time PCR. AREO components were analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectrometry (MS). The growth and acid production of S. mutans were significantly inhibited at concentrations of 0.02 mg/mL or higher of AREO. At 0.04 mg/mL, inhibition was similar to that of the positive control, 0.1% NaF. AREO suppressed the expression of virulence factors such as gtfB, gtfC, gtfD, gbpB, SpaP, brpA, relA, and vicR at concentrations of 0.02 mg/mL or higher. As a result of GC and GC-MS analyses, the main components of AREO included estragole, limonene, and β-caryophyllene. These results suggest that A. rugosa may be a useful agent for inhibiting the cariogenic properties of S. mutans.

Effects of Sulforaphene on the Cariogenic Properties of Streptococcus Mutans In Vitro and Dental Caries Development In Vivo.

Sulforaphene (SFE) is a common nutritional supplement with antibacterial, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the effects of SFE on the cariogenicity of Streptococcus mutans and dental caries have not been reported. The objectives of this study were to investigate the caries-controlling potential of SFE. The effects of SFE on S. mutans were investigated using the broth microdilution method, crystal violet staining, SEM observation, acid tolerance assays, lactic acid quantification, and polysaccharide measurements. A rat caries model was established to evaluate the caries-controlling effects and biocompatibility of SFE in vivo. SFE inhibited S. mutans growth and biofilm formation. Furthermore, SFE restrained the cariogenic properties of S. mutans, including its acid production, acid tolerance, and extracellular polysaccharide production, without affecting the bacterial viability at sub-inhibitory levels. In the rat caries model, SFE significantly arrested the onset and development of dental caries. Moreover, no visible hemolytic phenomenon or cytotoxicity was detected in the SFE groups. After four weeks of SFE treatment, all rats remained in apparent good health with no significant differences in weight gain; their hemogram and biochemical parameters were normal; no pathological changes were observed in the oral mucosa, liver, or kidneys. In conclusion, SFE was safe and inhibited the development of caries effectively.

Selected Thai traditional polyherbal medicines suppress the cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans by disrupting its acid formation and quorum sensing abilities

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThirty-five herbal formulations used in this current work are utilized as anti-cariogenic agents in Thai traditional medicine. Acidogenic properties play a crucial role in the initiation of dental caries caused by Streptococcus mutans, and a quorum sensing (QS) system is an associated virulence factor in dental caries. Aim of the studyThe current work aimed to determine the anti-acidogenic effect of these polyherbal formulas against S. mutans and explore their anti-QS activity using Chromobacterium violaceum as a biosensor. Materials and methodsEthanol and water extracts from the formulas were evaluated for their anti-acidogenic effects using glycolytic pH drop assays. Qualification and quantification of anti-QS activity indicated by the level of violacein production in C. violaceum were performed using paper disc-diffusion and flask incubation assays, respectively. ResultsAmong the extracts tested, THF-DC 02 and THF-DC 04 significantly inhibited the acidogenesis of S. mutans in a dose-dependent manner without affecting the cell viability. THF-DC 20 and THF-DC 29 sharply reduced the violacein production of C. violaceum, indicating the promising anti-QS activity of these extracts. ConclusionThe findings of the present study, preliminarily propose that the polyherbal formulas THF-DC 02, THF-DC 04, THF-DC 20, and THF-DC 29 produce promising anti-acidogenic or anti-QS activities. The anti-acidogenic effect of THF-DC 04 may possibly act by interrupting streptococcal membrane enzymes via its herbal components: Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd., Albizia myriophylla Benth., Avicennia marina subsp. eucalyptifolia (Valeton) J.Everett and Ocimum tenuiflorum L. The anti-QS activity of THF-DC 20 and THF-DC 29 could be due to their herbal ingredients, including Piper betle L., Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb., Terminalia chebula Retz., and Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry.

Urethane Dimethacrylate Influences the Cariogenic Properties of Streptococcus Mutans.

Concerns regarding unbound monomers in dental composites have increased with the increased usage of these materials. This study assessed the biological effects of urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA), a common monomer component of dental composite resins, on the cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans. Changes in the growth rate, biofilm formation, interaction with saliva, surface hydrophobicity, adhesion, glucan synthesis, sugar transport, glycolytic profiles, and oxidative- and acid-stress tolerances of S. mutans were evaluated after growing the cells in the presence and absence of UDMA. The results indicated that UDMA promotes the adhesion of S. mutans to the underlying surfaces and extracellular polysaccharide synthesis, leading to enhanced biofilm formation. Furthermore, UDMA reduced the acid tolerance of S. mutans, but enhanced its tolerance to oxidative stress, thus favoring the early stage of biofilm development. UDMA did not significantly affect the viability or planktonic growth of cells, but diminished the ability of S. mutans to metabolize carbohydrates and thus maintain the level of intracellular polysaccharides, although the tendency for sugar transport increased. Notably, UDMA did not significantly alter the interactions of bacterial cells with saliva. This study suggests that UDMA may potentially contribute to the development of secondary caries around UDMA-containing dental materials by prompting biofilm formation, enhancing oxidative tolerance, and modulating carbon flow.

Effects of the Ethanolic Extracts of Guava Leaves, Licorice Roots and Cloves on the Cariogenic Properties of Streptococcus mutans

Introduction: Streptococcus mutans is a major causative pathogen of dental caries. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the ethanolic extracts of Psidium guajava, Glycyrrhiza glabra and Syzygium aromaticum against cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans. These medicinal plants have been used traditionally as the ingredients in the herbal mouthwash for the management of dental caries. Methods: The 95% ethanolic extracts of these medicinal plants were prepared and their phytochemical contents were analyzed by using thin layer chromatography-densitometry. Antibacterial activities of the extracts against S. mutans were evaluated according to broth dilution method. The effects of the extracts against cariogenic properties of S. mutans, which are surface adherence, biofilm formation and acid production, were also investigated. Results: The biological active constituents, quercetin, glycyrrhizic acid and eugenol, were found in P. guajava, G. glabra and S. aromaticum, respectively. The three extracts possessed anti-bacterial activity against S. mutans with the MICs of 1.562, 0.195 and 1.562 mg/mL, respectively. The extracts at every concentration tested (at lower than their MICs) significantly inhibited cariogenic properties of S. mutans, which included inhibitions against surface adherence, biofilm formation and acid production. Conclusion: The ethanolic extracts of guava leaves, licorice roots and cloves produced anti-bacterial and anti-cariogenic activities against S. mutans. These plant extracts thus can potentially be developed as a product for the prevention of dental caries in the near future.

Effect of crude apple extract on the cariogenic factors of Streptococcus mutans: An in vitro study

The aim was to assess the effects of crude extract of whole apple on the cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans by evaluating (1) its growth, (2) its adherence property, and (3) changes caused by acid produced by S. mutans in the presence of sucrose (in vitro). Kashmiri Apples (sourced from the local market) were used for the study. Whole apple extracts including the skin were used to obtain undiluted crude apple extract. The growth of S. mutans in the presence of the crude apple extract was evaluated by agar diffusion test as well as direct contact inhibition test. The effects of the crude extract on the adherence of S. mutans was assessed by modified O'Toole method in which the viable cell counts of S. mutans which remained adherent on the microtitre plate were calculated. The effects of the test materials on pH changes caused by S. mutans in the presence of sucrose were assessed using pH meter. Crude extract of the whole apple showed no significant inhibitory effect on the growth of S. mutans while a significant inhibitory activity on the adherence of S. mutans was observed. Furthermore, the significant inhibitory effect on the pH drop was recorded, although pH remained below the critical value of 5.5 at all times. Crude whole apple extract has considerable anti-cariogenic effect on S. mutans and hence can be used as a natural alternative which can aid in the prevention of dental caries.

Betulin inhibits cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans by targeting vicRK and gtf genes.

Streptococcus mutans, a multivirulent pathogen is considered the primary etiological agent in dental caries. Development of antibiotic resistance in the pathogen has created a need for novel antagonistic agents which can control the virulence of the organism and reduce resistance development. The present study demonstrates the in vitro anti-virulence potential of betulin (lup-20(29)-ene-3β,28-diol), an abundantly available plant triterpenoid against S. mutans UA159. Betulin exhibited significant dose dependent antibiofilm activity without affecting bacterial viability. At 240µg/ml (biofilm inhibitory concentration), betulin inhibited biofilm formation and adherence to smooth glass surfaces by 93 and 71% respectively. It reduced water insoluble glucan synthesis by 89%, in conjunction with down regulation of gtfBC genes. Microscopic analysis confirmed the disruption in biofilm architecture and decreased exopolysaccharide production. Acidogenicity and aciduricity, key virulence factors responsible for carious lesions, were also notably affected. The induced auto-aggregation of cells upon treatment could be due to the down regulation of vicK. Results of gene expression analysis demonstrated significant down-regulation of virulence genes upon betulin treatment. Furthermore, the nontoxic effect of betulin on peripheral blood mononuclear cells even after 72h treatment makes it a strong candidate for assessing its suitability to be used as a therapeutic agent.

Composition Analysis and Inhibitory Effect of Sterculia lychnophora against Biofilm Formation by Streptococcus mutans.

Pangdahai is a traditional Chinese drug, specifically described in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia as the seeds of Sterculia lychnophora Hance. Here, we separated S. lychnophora husk and kernel, analyzed the nutrient contents, and investigated the inhibitory effects of S. lychnophora ethanol extracts on cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans, important bacteria in dental caries and plaque formation. Ethanol extracts of S. lychnophora showed dose-dependent antibacterial activity against S. mutans with significant inhibition at concentrations higher than 0.01 mg/mL compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, biofilm formation was decreased by S. lychnophora at concentrations > 0.03 mg/mL, while bacterial viability was decreased dose-dependently at high concentrations (0.04, 0.08, 0.16, and 0.32 mg/mL). Preliminary phytochemical analysis of the ethanol extract revealed a strong presence of alkaloid, phenolics, glycosides, and peptides while the presence of steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and organic acids was low. The S. lychnophora husk had higher moisture and ash content than the kernel, while the protein and fat content of the husk were lower (p < 0.05) than those of the kernel. These results indicate that S. lychnophora may have antibacterial effects against S. mutans, which are likely related to the alkaloid, phenolics, glycosides, and peptides, the major components of S. lychnophora.

Effect of emodin on the cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans and the development of caries in rats.

Emodin is an active herbal component traditionally used in East Asian countries for treating a variety of diseases. The present study investigated the effects of emodin on specific virulence factors of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) in vitro and on caries development in vivo. The growth and acid production of S. mutans were significantly inhibited by emodin (0.5–2 mg/ml). Emodin also significantly suppressed the synthesis of insoluble glucans by S. mutans. Furthermore, the topical application of emodin reduced the incidence and severity of carious lesions in rats. These results suggest that the natural compound emodin may be a novel pharmacological agent for the prevention and treatment of dental caries.

Fatty acid effect on sucrose-induced enamel demineralization and cariogenicity of an experimental biofilm-caries model.

Based on scarce evidence, fatty acids have been described as anticariogenic. The aim was to evaluate the effect of different types of fatty acids on enamel demineralization and on the cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans biofilms on a biofilm/caries model. Mature biofilms of S. mutans UA159 growing on bovine enamel slabs were exposed to 10% sucrose for 5 min, 3 times per day followed by exposure to a panel of free fatty acids, including monounsaturated (oleic), polyunsaturated (linoleic) and saturated (stearic) fatty acids, in concentrations of 0.1, 1 and 10 mM for five additional minutes. Enamel demineralization was determined before and after the experiments by microhardness. Slabs were retrieved to analyze biofilm biomass, viable bacterial counts and polysaccharide production. Biofilms exposed to sucrose, followed by oleic and linoleic acids, showed less demineralization than sucrose alone (p < 0.05). Biomass, S. mutans colonies and insoluble extracellular polysaccharide production were reduced from the biofilms treated with oleic and linoleic fatty acids (p < 0.05). No differences with the positive control were observed with the saturated stearic acid. Poly and monounsaturated fatty acids presented to S. mutans biofilms after a cariogenic challenge appear to reduce demineralization on enamel and to interfere with cariogenicity of S. mutans biofilms.

Cariogenic potential of commercial sweeteners in an experimental biofilm caries model on enamel

ObjectiveScarce evidence is available on the cariogenic potential of the widely used commercial sweeteners. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of several sweeteners on enamel demineralisation and on the cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans biofilms in an artificial caries model. MethodsS. mutans-UA159 biofilms were cultured on bovine enamel slabs and exposed to one of the following commercial sweeteners in tablet or powder form: stevia, sucralose, saccharin, aspartame or fructose. Ten percent sucrose and 0.9% NaCl were used as caries-positive and caries-negative controls, respectively. Slabs/biofilms were exposed to the sweeteners three times per day for 5min each time. After 5 days, biofilms were recovered to determine: biomass, bacterial counts and intra- and extracellular polysaccharides. Surface microhardness was measured before and after the experiment to assess enamel demineralisation, expressed as percentage of surface hardness loss (%SHL). Data were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni (p<0.05). ResultsAll tested commercial sweeteners, except fructose, showed less enamel demineralisation than sucrose (p<0.05). Only saccharine showed less biomass and intracellular polysaccharides than the rest of the groups (p<0.05). Stevia, sucralose and saccharine reduced the number of viable cells when compared with sucrose (p<0.05). All sugar alternatives reduced extracellular polysaccharide formation when compared with sucrose (p<0.05). ConclusionsMost commercial sweeteners appear to be less cariogenic than sucrose, but still retaining some enamel demineralisation potential. Products containing stevia, sucralose and saccharine showed antibacterial properties and seem to interfere with bacterial metabolism. Further studies are necessary to deepen these findings.

The effect of eugenol on the cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans and dental caries development in rats

Eugenol has been widely used in medicine due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer and analgesic properties. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of eugenol on the cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans and dental caries development in rats. Eugenol demonstrated significant inhibitory effects against acid production by S. mutans. The synthesis of water-insoluble glucans by glucosyltransferases was reduced by eugenol. Eugenol also markedly suppressed the adherence of S. mutans to saliva-coated hydroxyapatite beads. Furthermore, topical application of eugenol reduced the incidence and severity of carious lesions in rats. These results suggest that the natural compound eugenol may be a useful therapeutic agent for dental caries.

Efficacy of E. officinalis on the cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans: a novel and alternative approach to suppress quorum-sensing mechanism.

The present study was focused on evaluating the potential of Emblica officinalis against cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans, a causative microorganism for caries. The effect of crude extract and ethanolic fraction from Emblica officinalis fruit was analysed against S. mutans. The sub-MIC concentrations of crude and ethanolic fraction of E. officinalis were evaluated for its cariogenic properties such as acid production, biofilm formation, cell-surface hydrophobicity, glucan production, sucrose-dependent and independent adherence. Its effect on biofilm architecture was also investigated with the help of confocal and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Moreover, expression of genes involved in biofilm formation was also studied by quantitative RT- PCR. This study showed 50% reduction in adherence at concentrations 156 µg/ and 312.5 µg/ml of crude extract and ethanolic fraction respectively. However, the biofilm was reduced to 50% in the presence of crude extract (39.04 µg/ml) and ethanolic fraction (78.08 µg/ml). Furthermore, effective reduction was observed in the glucan synthesis and cell surface hydrophobicity. The qRT-PCR revealed significant suppression of the genes involved in its virulence. Confocal and scanning electron microscopy clearly depicted the obliteration of biofilm structure with reference to control. Hence, this study reveals the potential of E. officinalis fruit extracts as an alternative and complementary medicine for dental caries by inhibiting the virulence factors of Streptococcus mutans.

Essential Oil of Curcuma longa Inhibits Streptococcus mutans Biofilm Formation

Curcuma longa (C. longa) has been used as a spice in foods and as an antimicrobial in Oriental medicine. In this study, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of an essential oil isolated from C. longa on the cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), which is an important bacterium in dental plaque and dental caries formation. First, the inhibitory effects of C. longa essential oil on the growth and acid production of S. mutans were tested. Next, the effect of C. longa essential oil on adhesion to saliva-coated hydroxyapatite beads (S-HAs) was investigated. C. longa essential oil inhibited the growth and acid production of S. mutans at concentrations from 0.5 to 4 mg/mL. The essential oil also exhibited significant inhibition of S. mutans adherence to S-HAs at concentrations higher than 0.5 mg/mL. S. mutans biofilm formation was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and safranin staining. The essential oil of C. longa inhibited the formation of S. mutans biofilms at concentrations higher than 0.5 mg/mL. The components of C. longa essential oil were then analyzed by GC and GC-MS, and the major components were α-turmerone (35.59%), germacrone (19.02%), α-zingiberene (8.74%), αr-turmerone (6.31%), trans-β-elemenone (5.65%), curlone (5.45%), and β-sesquiphellandrene (4.73%). These results suggest that C. longa may inhibit the cariogenic properties of S. mutans.

Inhibitory effect of Aralia continentalis on the cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans

Ethnopharmacological relevance Aralia continentalis has been used in traditional Korean medicine for dental diseases such as toothache, dental caries, periodontal disease and gingivitis, and also has been used for neuralgia, analgesia, sweating, and as an antirheumatic. Aim of the study The present study was designed to investigate the inhibitory effect of Aralia continentalis extract on cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans, which is one of the most important bacteria in the formation of dental caries and dental plaque. Materials and methods The inhibitory effects of Aralia continentalis extract on the growth, acid production, water-insoluble glucan synthesis, and adhesion were investigated in Streptococcus mutans. The biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and safranin staining. Results The ethanol extract of Aralia continentalis showed concentration dependent inhibitory activity on the growth of Streptococcus mutans and significant inhibition of acid production at the concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 mg/ml compared to the control group. The synthesis of water-insoluble glucan by glucosyltransferase (GTFase) was decreased in the presence of 0.5–4 mg/ml of the extract of Aralia continentalis. The extract markedly inhibited Streptococcus mutans adherence to saliva-coated hydroxyapatite beads (S-HAs). The extract of Aralia continentalis has an inhibitory effect on the formation of Streptococcus mutans biofilms at the concentrations higher than 2 mg/ml. Conclusions These results suggest that Aralia continentalis may inhibit cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans, and also may support the scientific rationale that native inhabitants used the extract for the treatment of dental diseases.

Isolation and characterization of n-octacosanoic acid from Viburnum foetens: a novel antibiofilm agent against Streptococcus Mutans

The aim of this study was to isolate, characterize the antibiofilm agent from Viburnum foetens and to investigate it’s in vitro effects on cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans, a major caries causing microorganism. The compound was purified by silica gel chromatography and analyzed with IR, MS, 1H, and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Virulence attributes of S. mutans were assessed at different concentrations of the purified compound. Confocal microscopy was employed to investigate the effect on biofilm architecture. The purified compound was found to be n-octacosanoic acid and exhibited MIC of 80 μg/ml against S. mutans. At a concentration of 10 and 20 μg/ml, adherence to saliva-coated glass surface and ability to form biofilm were reduced to 50%. The n-octacosanoic acid profoundly changed the biofilm architecture and distorted the cell aggregating ability of S. mutans in a unique manner. The active compound, n-octacosanoic acid, demonstrated for the first time, potential antiplaque activity by inhibiting the adherence of S. mutans. The compound strongly inhibited biofilm formation of S. mutans and resulted in a reduction of water-insoluble glucans. These findings suggest that n-octacosanoic acid may have potential to prevent caries by limiting the overgrowth and biofilm formation of S. mutans.

Comparative studies on the effect of crude aqueous (CA) and solvent (CM) extracts of clove on the cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans

A study was conducted to compare the efficiency of crude aqueous (CA) and solvent extracts (CM) of clove on the caries-inducing properties of Streptococcus mutans. The cariogenic properties investigated included the cell adhesion, cell-surface hydrophobicity and glucan synthesis activities of S. mutans. There was a significant difference between the effect of the CA and CM extracts on the adhesion of S. mutans (P < 0.05) within a concentration range of 5-15 mg/ml, the CM extract demonstrating a slightly higher inhibitory effect. However, the effect of the CM extract on the cell-surface hydrophobicity of S. mutans was weaker than that of the CA extract. The two extracts were found to reduce the synthesis of water-insoluble glucan (WIG) by almost 50% at a concentration as low as 0.5 mg/ml and the CM extract exhibited a significantly higher inhibitory effect than the CA extract (P < 0.05). The present findings indicate that both the CA and CM extracts exert inhibitory effects on the cariogenic properties of S. mutans and that the CA extract is as equally effective as the CM extract.