Antibacterial activity of aqueous extracts of Indian chewing sticks on dental plaque: An in vitro study

Abstract

The anti-microbial efficacy of aqueous extracts of Indian chewing sticks against different kinds of plaque bacteria in vitro was investigated. Supra-gingival plaque is cultured and subjected to the antibacterial activity of the aqueous extracts of chewing sticks (Neem, Acacia, Pongamia glabra, Achyranthes aspera, Streblus asper) separately. The results of the study demonstrate that all the five chewing sticks under study possess inhibitory potential against bacteria present in dental plaque mainly on aerobes. The antibacterial efficacy of aqueous extracts has antibacterial effects and could be used as a therapeutic agent and therefore, it appears to be potent anti-microbial agents that could be considered as a medicinal plant. Results of this study showed chewing sticks contained antibacterial agents, but the concentration and composition of the active substances differed among the plants.

Effect of Neem (Azadirachta indica) on the Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Dairy Manure

“…Even though the organic extractable components are inhibitory to foodborne pathogens in this and a previous study, azadirachtin, a potent insect antifeedant [ 9 ] extracted from neem, was not found to be inhibitory to EcO157. In addition, we found that an aqueous extract of neem leaves enhanced the growth of EcO157 although water extracts of neem chewing sticks were found inhibitory to supra-gingival plaque organisms including generic E. coli [ 10 ]. However, in a different study, water extracts were not found to be inhibitory to multi-drug-resistant E. coli [ 29 ].…”

“…Neem trees are grown extensively for their shade in India, for firewood in Ghana, and for reforestation in West Africa [ 9 ]. For centuries, neem twigs were used as teeth cleaning devices [ 9 ] as they are effective as antiplaque and anti-gingivitis agents [ 10 ] and thus some commercial herbal toothpastes contain neem as an active ingredient [ 11 ]. Water extracts of neem twigs inhibited growth of dental caries organisms Streptococcus mutans, S. salivarius, S. mitis , and S. sanguis [ 12 ].…”

“…Water extracts of neem twigs inhibited growth of dental caries organisms Streptococcus mutans, S. salivarius, S. mitis , and S. sanguis [ 12 ]. Neem extracts have been reported to possess antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, and antiviral properties [ 10 , 13 ]. Neem leaves are used in India for curing diarrhea and cholera [ 14 ].…”

Effects of <i>Piper betle</i> fractionated extracts on inhibition of <i>Streptococcus mutans</i> and <i>Streptococcus intermedius </i>

“…betle with five different potential plants (A. catechu, C. grandis, C. sinensis, S. indicum, and S. asper) that have been previously reported to have antimicrobial activities (20)(21)(22)(23)(24). The yield of Pb-CE was 20.1%, slightly higher than that previously reported, which might be due to the different time and area of plant collection (25).…”

Evaluation of the Antibacterial Efficacy of Azadirachta Indica, Commiphora Myrrha, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Against Enterococcus Faecalis using Real Time PCR

“…Azadirachta indica, also known as “Indian neem” extensively used in Ayurveda, Unani and Homoeopathic medicine and has become a cynosure of modern medicine [ 12 ]. It has antibacterial [ 13 , 14 ] antiviral [ 14 ] antifungal [ 15 ] antioxidant [ 16 ] anti-inflammatory [ 17 ] antimalarial properties [ 18 ]. Commiphora myrrha are small trees or shrubs with short, thorny branches, a variable species found in southern Arabia and northeast Africa (chiefly Somalia) as far south as northeast Kenya [ 19 ].…”