Antimicrobial activity of Uncaria tomentosa against oral human pathogens

Abstract

Uncaria tomentosa is considered a medicinal plant used over centuries by the peruvian population as an alternative treatment for several diseases. Many microorganisms usually inhabit the human oral cavity and under certain conditions can become etiologic agents of diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of different concentrations of Uncaria tomentosa on different strains of microorganisms isolated from the human oral cavity. Micropulverized Uncaria tomentosa was tested in vitro to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) on selected microbial strains. The tested strains were oral clinical isolates of Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus spp., Candida albicans, Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The tested concentrations of Uncaria tomentosa ranged from 0.25-5% in Müeller-Hinton agar. Three percent Uncaria tomentosa inhibited 8% of Enterobacteriaceae isolates, 52% of S. mutans and 96% of Staphylococcus spp. The tested concentrations did not present inhibitory effect on P. aeruginosa and C. albicans. It could be concluded that micropulverized Uncaria tomentosa presented antimicrobial activity on Enterobacteriaceae, S. mutans and Staphylococcus spp. isolates. Descriptors: Cat's claw; Contact inhibition; Bacteria; Candida albicans.Resumo: Uncaria tomentosa é uma planta medicinal usada por vários séculos pela população peruana como alternativa de tratamento para diversas doenças. Muitos microrganismos que usualmente não habitam a cavidade bucal humana podem se tornar agentes etiológicos de doenças sob certas condições. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana de diferentes concentrações de Uncaria tomentosa sobre diferentes cepas de microrganismos isolados de cavidades bucais humanas. Uncaria tomentosa micropulverizada foi testada in vitro para determinar a concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) em isolados microbianos selecionados. Cepas de Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus spp., Candida albicans, Enterobacteriaceae e Pseudomonas aeruginosa avaliadas foram isoladas de cavidades bucais humanas. Foram preparadas as concentrações de Uncaria tomentosa entre 0.25 e 5% em ágar Müeller-Hinton. Uncaria tomentosa a 3% inibiu 8% de Enterobacteriaceae, 52% de S. mutans e 96% de Staphylococcus spp. As concentrações testadas não apresentaram efeito inibitório sobre P. aeruginosa e C. albicans. Concluiu-se que Uncaria tomentosa micropulverizada apresenta atividade antimicrobiana sobre cepas de Enterobacteriaceae, S. mutans e Staphylococcus spp.

Proanthocyanidin Characterization and Bioactivity of Extracts from Different Parts of Uncaria tomentosa L. (Cat’s Claw)

“…For instance, Ccahuana-Vasquez et al [5] found that micropulverized U. tomentosa inhibited Staphylococus spp but failed to inhibit P. aeruginosa while another study [40] showed that U. tomentosa gel had an inhibitory effect on Staphylococus spp but was not active towards E. faecalis , suggesting that U. tomentosa type of extract may affect bacterial inhibition [2]. However, Herrera et al [40] proved the antibacterial effect of U. tomentosa against E. faecalis in infected dentin.…”

“…On the other hand, the antimicrobial activity of U. tomentosa has received little attention [5,6]. Phenolic compounds are recognized as antimicrobial agents on certain human bacteria.…”

Investigation of local anesthetic and antimycobacterial activity of Ottonia martiana Miq. (Piperaceae)

“…Measures for their prevention and control must be intensified (Groppo et al 2002). In this regard, acquired antibiotic resistance in some microorganisms has led to the alternative search of potential antimicrobial substances in plants (Al-Bayati and Sulaiman 2008, Ccahuana-Vasquez et al 2007, Sarac and Ugur 2007.…”

Constituents from the Stems of Malaysian Uncaria tomentosa

“…Phytochemical studies of the Peruvian U. tomentosa have led to the isolation of numerous constituents including quinovic acid glycosides, oxindole alkaloid, proanthocyanidins, polyphenols, triterpenes and numerous sterols [3][4][5]. The extracts of the plant are also widely studied compared to other species of the genus and they have been found to display multiple biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cytotoxicity, immunostimulant and antibacterial [6]. Although there was no literature on the existence of the species in Malaysia, we have discovered the species in our forests.…”