Aims:  The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti‐Streptococcus mutans activity and the in vitro effects of subminimal inhibitory concentrations of guaijaverin isolated from Psidium guajava Linn. on cariogenic properties of Strep. mutans. Methods and Results:  Bioautography‐directed chromatographic fractionation, yield biologically active compound, quercetin‐3‐O‐α‐l‐arabinopyranoside (guaijaverin), from crude methanol extract of P. guajava. Growth‐inhibitory activity of the compound against Strep. mutans of both clinical and type strain cultures was evaluated. The anti‐Strep. mutans activity of the guaijaverin was found to be bacteriostatic, both heat and acid stable and alkali labile with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 4 mg ml−1 for MTCC 1943 and 2 mg ml−1 for CLSM 001. The sub‐MIC concentrations (0·0078–2 mg ml−1) of the guaijaverin were evaluated for its cariogenic properties such as acid production, cell‐surface hydrophobicity, sucrose‐dependent adherence to glass surface and sucrose‐induced aggregation of Strep. mutans. Conclusions:  The active flavonoid compound, quercetin‐3‐O‐α‐l‐arabinopyranoside (guaijaverin) demonstrated high potential antiplaque agent by inhibiting the growth of the Strep. mutans. Significance and Impact of the Study:  This study demonstrated the new growth‐inhibitory compound guaijaverin against Strep. mutans and led to the acceptance of traditional medicine and natural products as an alternative form of health care.

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1999 Society of Chemical Industry (

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