Comparative Study on the Antibacterial Effects of Phyllanthus emblica, Terminalia chebula and Eucalyptus globulus against Common Oral Pathogens | Chapter 8 | Pharmaceutical Science: New Insights and Developments Vol. 6

 

Dental caries and periodontal disease are the most common oral infections in humans. These diseases are primarily treated with antimicrobial drugs; however, the rise in antimicrobial resistance necessitates the investigation of plant-based phytocompounds as antimicrobial agents. Plant-based antimicrobials represent a vast untapped source of medicine. They have enormous therapeutic potential as they can serve the purpose without any side effects that are often associated with synthetic antimicrobials. This study investigated the phytochemicals present in three plants, Phyllanthus emblica, Terminalia chebula and Eucalyptus globulus, as well as their antibacterial effect on the cariogenic bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 3160), Escherichia coli (MTCC 1655) and Streptococcus mutans (MTCC 890). Fruits of Phylanthus emblica, Terminalia chebula and leaves of Eucalyptus globulus were extracted in aqueous, ethanol and methanol solvents. These extracts were tested for phytochemical compounds. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the agar disc diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was measured via a 96-well turbidimetric method. One-way ANOVA and Dunnett’s multiple comparison test were performed to assess the statistical significance of antimicrobial activities of the plant extracts against the cariogenic microbes. Results of a preliminary qualitative phytochemical study of extracts revealed the presence of tannins and terpenoids in all three plants. Tannins are known to possess anthelmintic activity, whereas terpenoids also have applications in various treatments. Antibacterial activity assay showed that the plant extracts were more active against gram-positive bacteria than gram-negative bacteria. Among the tested organisms, S aureus was the most susceptible. The bacterial strains tested were more susceptible to methanol extracts, followed by ethanol, and the least effective was aqueous extract. These findings indicate that Phyllanthus emblica, Terminalia chebula and Eucalyptus globulus extracts have potential antibacterial activity against oral pathogens such as S. aureus, S. mutans and E. coli and could potentially be used treatment of dental caries. The effects of this extract may be beneficial if it is incorporated in gum, toothpaste, mouthwash and dental products to reduce plaque and dental caries. The results provide a foundation for further research into the therapeutic potential of these medicinal plants.

Author(s) Details

Asimuddin M
Head of Dental Department, Bhagwan Mahavir Hospital & Research Centre, Hyderabad, India.

 

Bhumika Ranawat
Head of Dental Department, Bhagwan Mahavir Hospital & Research Centre, Hyderabad, India.’

 

Kaiser Jamil
Head of Dental Department, Bhagwan Mahavir Hospital & Research Centre, Hyderabad, India.

 

Chandrakanth Rao
Head of Dental Department, Bhagwan Mahavir Hospital & Research Centre, Hyderabad, India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/psnid/v6/5715