Context: Essential oils are prevalent in many medicinal plants used for oral hygiene and treatment of diseases. Objective: Medicinal plant species were extracted to determine the essential oil content. Those producing sufficient oil were screened for activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Candida albicans. Materials and methods: Plant samples were collected, frozen, and essential oils were extracted by steam distillation. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined using a tube dilution assay for those species yielding sufficient oil. Results: Fifty-nine of the 141 plant species produced sufficient oil for collection and 12 species not previously reported to produce essential oils were identified. Essential oil extracts from 32 species exhibited activity against one or more microbes. Oils from eight species were highly inhibitory to S. mutans, four species were highly inhibitory to C. albicans, and 19 species yielded MIC values less than the reference drugs. Discussion: Results suggest that 11 species were highly inhibitory to the microbes tested and merit further investigation. Oils from Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume (Lauraceae), Citrus aurantiifolia (Christm.) Swingle (Rutaceae), Lippia graveolens Kunth (Verbenaceae), and Origanum vulgare L. (Lamiaceae) yielded highly significant or moderate activity against all microbes and have potential as antimicrobial agents. Conclusion: Teas prepared by decoction or infusion are known methods for extracting essential oils. Oils from 11 species were highly active against the microbes tested and merit investigation as to their potential for addressing health-related issues and in oral hygiene.
Prayer is a widely practiced religious behavior. Research has associated prayer with various physical, psychological, and relational benefits. This study used in-depth, interview-based qualitative methods to explore how prayer may foster improvement in married individuals as well as in couples’ relationships in a richly diverse sample of 184 religious couples (N = 368 individuals). Qualitative data analyses revealed the following related themes: (a) prayer is a catalyst for change; (b) prayer facilitates humility and positivity; (c) prayer facilitates communication and understanding among couples; and (d) prayer unifies couples and helps in resolving conflict. Illustrative and supportive primary data are presented in connection with each theme. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Medicinal plants are important components in the primary health care of villagers in Guatemala. However, an area often overlooked is the effect of medicinal plants on oral hygiene. Acetone and methanol extracts from 63 medicinal plant species from 31 families were bioassayed against breast, cervical, skin and tongue cancers, and the following microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Candida albicans. Halfmaximum inhibitory concentrations (IC 50 ) and half-maximum cytotoxicity concentrations (CC 50 ) were determined against cancerous and non-cancerous cell lines, respectively. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined against microbes. Based on levels of inhibition by extracts, IC 50 values, CC 50 values, and MIC values, seven species (Bursera simaruba Sarg., Burseraceae; Eriobotrya japonica (Thumb.) Lindl., Rosaceae; Litsea guatemalensis Mez, Lauraceae; Mirabilis jalapa L., Nyctaginaceae; Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth., Fabaceae); Rubus villosus Thunb., Rosaceae; Thevetia peruviana K. Schum., Apocynaceae) were recommended for additional investigation. With regard to oral hygiene four species (Achillea millefolium L., Asteraceae; Crotalaria longirostrata Hook. and Arn., Fabaceae; P. dulce; Spondias purpurea L., Anacardiaceae) may merit further fractionation and testing against oral diseases.
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