Antimicrobial activity of Arctium lappa constituents against microorganisms commonly found in endodontic infections

Abstract

This study evaluated in vitro the antimicrobial activity of rough extracts from leaves of Arctium lappa and their phases. The following microorganisms, commonly found in the oral cavity, specifically in endodontic infections, were used: Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis and Candida albicans. The agar-diffusion method allowed detection of the hexanic phase as an inhibitor of microbial growth. Bioautographic assays identified antimicrobial substances in the extract. The results showed the existence, in the rough hexanic phase and in its fractions, of constituents that have retention factors (Rf) in three distinct zones, thereby suggesting the presence of active constituents with chemical structures of different polarities that exhibited specificity against the target microorganisms. It may be concluded that the Arctium lappa constituents exhibited a great microbial inhibition potential against the tested endodontic pathogens.

A review of the pharmacological effects of Arctium lappa (burdock)

“…It has been reported that the lyophilized extract of the leaves of burdock exhibits anti-microbial activity against oral micro-organisms and is the most effective against bacteria related to endodontic pathogens such as: Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Psedomonas aeruginosa (Pereira et al, 2005).…”

Phytomedicine - A Holistic Approach in Dentistry

“…It has anti-bacterial and antifungal , diuretic, anti-oxidan, anxiolytic action, platelet anti-aggregating effect and HIV-inhibitory action. In dentistry, Arctiumlappa has been investigated due to its antimicrobial potential against oral microorganisms, specifically those associated with endodontic infections [9,10].…”

Polyphenolic Profile, Anti-Inflammatory and Antinociceptive Activity of an Extract from Arctium lappa L. Roots

“…Several studies reported that burdock roots had hepatoprotective (Lin et al, 2002), antimicrobial (Pereira et al, 2005), anti-inflammatory and radical scavenge effects (Lin et al, 1996). Antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of lignans from A. lappa were demonstrated on leukemic cells (Matsumoto et al, 2006), the antitumor effects of arctigenin being also revealed on pancreatic cancer cell lines (Awale et al, 2006).…”