Prevention of artificial dental plaque formation in vitro by plant extracts

Smullen, J, Finney, M, Storey, DM and Foster, HA 2012, 'Prevention of artificial dental plaque formation in vitro by plant extracts' , Journal of Applied Microbiology, 113 (4) , pp. 964-973.

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Abstract

Aims A number of previous studies have shown that plant extracts can inhibit formation of dental plaque. The ability of extracts of Rosemarinus officianalis L., Salvia officianalis L., unfermented cocoa, red grape seed and green tea to inhibit plaque bacteria, glucosyltransferase activity, glycan and plaque formation in an in vitro model using bovine teeth was examined. Methods and Results The antimicrobial activity of the plant extracts against oral bacteria was determined using a standard susceptibility agar dilution technique. Inhibition of growth and acid production from glucose and sucrose by Streptococcus mutans in liquid culture was investigated. Prevention of plaque formation on bovine teeth initiated by S. mutans was studied using an artificial mouth. The plant extracts inhibited the growth of oral bacteria and prevented acid production by S. mutans. Extracts inhibited glucosylytransferase activity and glycan production and inhibited adhesion to glass. Extracts of R. officianalis L. and S. officianalis L. reduced plaque growth by >80%. Green tea extract completely inhibited plaque formation but resulted in a greenish discolouration of the teeth which could not be removed by scrubbing. Conclusions The plant extracts, particularly those from R. officianalis L. and S. officianalis L., inhibited glucosyl tranferase activity, glycan production and plaque formation in vitro. Significance and Impact of Study The results suggest that the extracts of R. officianalis L. and S. officianalis L. may be useful as antiplaque agents in foods and dental preparations. Bovine teeth can be used as an alternative to hydroxyapatite for studies of plaque formation but they need to be carefully sterilised before use.

Item Type:	Article
Themes:	Health and Wellbeing
Schools:	Schools > School of Environment and Life Sciences > Biomedical Research Centre Schools > School of Environment and Life Sciences
Journal or Publication Title:	Journal of Applied Microbiology
Publisher:	Blackwell
Refereed:	Yes
ISSN:	1364-5072
Related URLs:	Publication
Funders:	Cadbury-Schweppes
Depositing User:	Professor Howard Anthony Foster
Date Deposited:	27 Sep 2013 15:37
Last Modified:	16 Feb 2022 15:06
URI:	https://usir.salford.ac.uk/id/eprint/29512

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