Antimicrobials from Medicinal Plants: An Emergent Strategy to Control Oral Biofilms

Abstract

Oral microbial biofilms, directly related to oral diseases, particularly caries and periodontitis, exhibit virulence factors that include acidification of the oral microenvironment and the formation of biofilm enriched with exopolysaccharides, characteristics and common mechanisms that, ultimately, justify the increase in antibiotics resistance. In this line, the search for natural products, mainly obtained through plants, and derived compounds with bioactive potential, endorse unique biological properties in the prevention of colonization, adhesion, and growth of oral bacteria. The present review aims to provide a critical and comprehensive view of the in vitro antibiofilm activity of various medicinal plants, revealing numerous species with antimicrobial properties, among which, twenty-four with biofilm inhibition/reduction percentages greater than 95%. In particular, the essential oils of Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf and Lippia alba (Mill.) seem to be the most promising in fighting microbial biofilm in Streptococcus mutans, given their high capacity to reduce biofilm at low concentrations.

Recent Advances in Applied Microbiology and Food Sciences

“…A second review article, entitled "Antimicrobials from Medicinal Plants: An Emergent Strategy to Control Oral Biofilms", was written by Milho et al [5]. The authors presented the characteristics of medicinal plants and their importance in the control of oral biofilms.…”

Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects of α-mangostin soluble film

“…Dental caries, periodontal disease, and oral fungal infections are the three most common oral health problems caused by virulent biofilms. [ 1 ] It is well accepted that Streptococcus mutans ( S. mutans ) and Porphyromonas gingivalis ( P. gingivalis ) are keystone pathogens in the development of dental caries and periodontal disease, respectively,[ 2 3 ] whereas Candida albicans ( C. albicans ) is the most common species that causes oral candidiasis that is frequently observed in immunocompromised patients, including HIV-infected subjects and denture wearers. [ 4 ]…”

“…Plants are valuable sources of novel bioactive compounds, as they produce a wide variety of secondary metabolites with biological properties against oral pathogens. [ 3 ] Mangosteen ( Garcinia mangostana L.) is a widely cultivated fruit tree in Southeast Asian nations, including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, The Philippines, and Vietnam. Mangosteen extract has been shown to demonstrate bactericidal activity against cariogenic bacteria.…”

Origanum vulgare ethanolic extracts as a promising source of compounds with antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, and anti-virulence activity against dental plaque bacteria

“…However, despite its effectiveness in reducing the levels of microorganisms in the oral cavity, its long-term use is associated with local side effects such as impaired sense of taste, tooth staining, increased formation of supragingival calculus, and occasional irritation and desquamation of mucous membranes ( Gürgan et al, 2006 ). Because of the toxicity of the currently used antimicrobials and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, it is important to search for alternatives to control oral biofilms ( Milho et al, 2021 ; Vaca et al, 2021 ). The search for safe, effective and economical compounds that treat or prevent oral diseases in order to outface the increasing bacterial resistance to currently used antimicrobials and chemotherapeutics has become necessary.…”