Biomedical subjects

J A Cury

Publications and source records attributed to J A Cury.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Effects of Mikania genus plants on growth and cell adherence of mutans streptococci.

The present study evaluated the chemical composition and the antimicrobial activity of the extracts and fractions of Mikania laevigata and Mikania glomerata on growth and cell adherence of mutans streptococci. Ethanolic extract, hexane and ethyl acetate fractions of Mikania laevigata and Mikania glomerata were chemically identified by chromatographic methods and tested on mutans streptococci from culture collection and clinical isolates. Twenty-two compounds were identified in both Mikania extracts, including coumarin, 1-octadecene, and diterpenic, cupressenic and kaurenoic acids. Antimicrobial activity was assessed by determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and inhibition of cell adherence to a glass surface. Hexane fraction from both plant extracts was the most effective in inhibiting the growth of the bacterial strains tested (MIC values between 12.5 microg/ml and 400 microg/ml, and MBC values between 25 microg/ml and 400 microg/ml). In addition, sub-MIC levels of the crude extracts and their hexane fractions significantly inhibited the adherence of the microorganisms to a glass surface. The data indicate that the biologically active compounds are present mostly in the hexane fraction of both Mikania species, which showed remarkable inhibitory activities against mutans streptococci. Mikania genus plant is a promising source for novel antimicrobial agents against oral pathogens.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMed2004

Impact of mouthrinses on morning bad breath in healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND: During sleep, a proliferation of oral bacteria is responsible for the release of offending gases in morning breath even in healthy people. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the bad breath-inhibiting effect of four commercially available mouthrinses (0.03% triclosan, 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate, 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride and essential oils) on morning breath when compared with a positive and a negative control. METHOD: A six-step double-blind, crossover, randomised study was conducted in 12 dental students with healthy periodontium, who refrained from mechanical plaque control during a 4-day period. The subjects were instructed to rinse twice daily with the assigned product during each period. Fifteen-day washout intervals were used. Before professional plaque and tongue coating removal (baseline), the morning breath was scored through volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) level measured by a sulphide monitor. After 4 days, VSCs and plaque index (PI) were recorded. RESULTS: Even in the absence of mechanical plaque control, there was a decrease in VSC level with the use of all mouthrinses, with the exception of an increase with the use of the negative control. The VSC formation was inhibited in descending order, by positive control (0.2% chlorhexidine), 0.12% chlorhexidine, triclosan and essential oils and cetylpyridinium chloride. Plaque formation was inhibited by chlorhexidine mouthrinses and essential oils. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that mouthrinses can reduce morning bad breath, and that such a reduction is not attributable only to the reduction of supragingival plaque formation.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

In situ effect of frequent sucrose exposure on enamel demineralization and on plaque composition after APF application and F dentifrice use.

Since the effect of the combination of methods of fluoride use on enamel demineralization and on plaque composition is not clearly established, this study examined the effect of the combination of acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) application and F dentifrice on enamel demineralization and on plaque composition. In this crossover study, 16 volunteers, wearing a palatal appliance containing bovine enamel blocks, were subjected to 4 treatment groups: non-fluoridated dentifrice (PD), FD, APF+PD, and APF+FD. The APF was applied to the enamel before the 14-day experimental period. During the experimental period, test dentifrices were applied 3x/day, and a 20% sucrose solution was applied 4x and 8x/day by being dripped on the blocks. Although APF application was able either to increase F concentration in plaque or to reduce the % of mutans streptococci, its combination with F dentifrice use neither reduced enamel mineral loss nor changed any other measured plaque variable with respect to the FD group alone.

Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride↗

PubMed2003

Inhibition of Streptococcus mutans biofilm accumulation and polysaccharide production by apigenin and tt-farnesol.

OBJECTIVES: Apigenin is a potent inhibitor of glucosyltransferases and tt-farnesol affects the membrane integrity of Streptococcus mutans. We investigated the influence of apigenin and tt-farnesol, alone and in combination, on the accumulation, polysaccharide composition and viability of S. mutans UA159 biofilms. METHODS: Initially, biofilms were grown for 54 h; then, the early-formed biofilms were treated for 1 min twice daily with one of the following: (i). 1.33 mM tt-farnesol; (ii). 1.33 mM apigenin; (iii). apigenin + tt-farnesol (1.33 mM each); (iv). vehicle control (20% ethanol with 0.75% dimethyl sulphoxide); (v). 0.12% chlorhexidine (1.33 mM); or (vi). physiological saline (145 mM NaCl). The procedure was repeated at biofilm ages of 78 and 102 h, and biofilms were harvested at 126 h. The dry weight, protein concentration, number of cfu, and polysaccharide composition per biofilm were determined. RESULTS: The dry weights of the biofilms treated with the test agents were significantly less (30-50%) than those treated with vehicle control (P < 0.05). Biofilms treated with the test agents also resulted in lower amounts of extracellular alkali-soluble glucans, intracellular iodophilic polysaccharides and, to a lesser extent, fructans. The fructosyltransferase activity was affected only by apigenin and apigenin + tt-farnesol. The recoverable viable counts of S. mutans were slightly lower (0.5 to 1 log10 decrease in cfu/biofilm) after apigenin and tt-farnesol treatments compared with the vehicle control. Chlorhexidine displayed potent bactericidal activity, and virtually halted the further accumulation of early-formed (54 h old) biofilms. CONCLUSIONS: Apigenin and tt-farnesol affected the accumulation and polysaccharide content of S. mutans biofilms without major impact on the bacterial viability.

Anti-Infective Agents, Local↗

PubMed2003

Longitudinal study of the influence of removable partial denture and chemical control on the levels of Streptococcus mutans in saliva.

Some studies have evaluated the salivary levels of mutans streptococci (MS) in removable partial denture (RPD) users. Saliva samples (2.0 mL) were obtained from 31 patients in six periods: (T0): immediately before installation of RPD; (T8): 8 days after T0; (T48): 48 days after T0; (T92): 92 days after T0; (T140): 140 days after T0 and (T189): 189 days after T0. The samples were vortexed and serially diluted from 10(-1) to 10(-6) in 0.05 m phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). From each dilution, 0.025 mL was plated on Mitis Salivarius Bacitracin (MSB). The plates were incubated in 5% CO2 at 37 degrees C for 72 h. There was an increase (t-test, P < 0.05) in the number of MS between periods T0 and T48 (mean/s.d., CFU mL(-1) of saliva): T0: 2.26/4.43 x 10(6) and T48: 0.47/1.48 x 10(8). After this, intensive treatment with CHX was accomplished in 29 patients. Saliva samples were obtained after treatment in four periods: (T24 h): 24 h after T0; (T14): 14 days after T24 h; (T28): 28 days after T24 h, and (T63): 63 days after T24 h. The number of MS in saliva did not decrease (t-test, P > 0.05). A new CHX formulation was applied in 15 patients. Saliva samples were obtained in periods: (T0): before new CHX application; (T24 h): 24 h after T0 and (T82): 82 days after T0. The new CHX reduced MS levels in saliva: (mean/s.d., CFU mL(-1) of saliva): T0: 6.64/8.47 x 10(6) and T24 h: 3.2/4.27 x 10(5) (sign rank, P < 0.05). In conclusion, there was a significant increase in the number of MS in saliva after the installation of RPD. The intensive treatment with a properly formulated CHX was effective in the reduction of MS, between 24 h and 82 days after its application.

Chlorhexidine↗

PubMed2003

Effect of Er:YAG laser on CaF2 formation and its anti-cariogenic action on human enamel: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Er:YAG laser on the formation of CaF(2), after the application of acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF), and its influence on the anti-cariogenic action in human dental enamel. BACKGROUND DATA: Er:YAG laser was designed to promote ablation of the enamel. However, the possibility of using this energy to increase the enamel's resistance to caries has hardly been explored, and neither has its interaction with the use of fluorides. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty blocks of enamel were allocated to four groups of 30 blocks each: (1) C, control group; (2) Er:YAG, laser; (3) APF; and (4) Er:YAG+APF. Of these, 80 blocks were submitted to pH cycling for 14 days. In the other 40 blocks, fluoride (CaF(2)) was measured before cycling. After pH cycling, surface microhardness (SMH), microhardness in cross-section (converted to mineral contents % vol. min.), and fluoride after cycling (40 blocks) were also determined. RESULTS: SMH decreased in all groups. The control group showed the highest decrease, and Er:YAG+APF showed the lowest decrease (p < 0.05). Groups APF and Er:YAG showed the same results (p > 0.05). Mineral content at depths 10, 20, and 40 microm was lower in the control and Er:YAG groups, and higher in groups APF and Er:YAG+APF. CaF(2) (microgF/cm(2)) deposited before pH cycling was higher in the APF group when compared to the Er:YAG+APF group. Control and Er:YAG groups showed the lowest values (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that Er:YAG laser influenced the deposition of CaF(2) on the enamel and showed a superficial anti-cariogenic action, but not in depth.

Calcium Fluoride↗

PubMed2003

Effects of fluoride and aluminum from ionomeric materials on S. mutans biofilm.

Ionomeric materials release different proportions of fluoride and aluminum. Their simultaneous effect on the acidogenicity and composition of S. mutans biofilm is unknown. Six cylindrical specimens of each material (Ketac-fil, Vitremer, Fuji-Ortho LC, F-2000, and Z-100) were incubated with S. mutans GS-5 in culture media containing 5% sucrose (w/v). The media were changed daily for seven days, during which the pH and concentrations of fluoride and aluminum were determined. Furthermore, the concentrations of these ions and insoluble polysaccharide were determined in the biofilm formed at the end of the experimental period. The results showed that all the materials tested released fluoride. However, Vitremer released the highest amount of aluminum and was the most effective in reducing the acidogenicity of S. mutans biofilms. It also significantly affected both biofilm formation and composition. Thus, this study suggests that aluminum released by ionomeric materials may enhance the biological effects of fluoride.

Acrylic Resins↗

PubMed2002

Effects of apigenin and tt-farnesol on glucosyltransferase activity, biofilm viability and caries development in rats.

Propolis, a resinous hive product secreted by Apis mellifera bees, has been shown to reduce the incidence of dental caries in rats. Several compounds, mainly polyphenolics, have been identified in propolis. Apigenin and tt-farnesol demonstrated biological activity against mutans streptococci. We determined here their effects, alone or in combination, on glucosyltransferase activity, biofilm viability, and development of caries in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were infected with Streptococcus sobrinus 6715 and treated topically twice daily as follows: (1) tt-farnesol, (2) apigenin, (3) vehicle control, (4) fluoride, (5) apigenin +tt-farnesol, and (6) chlorhexidine. Apigenin (1.33 mM) inhibited the activity of glucosyltransferases in solution (90-95%) and on the surface of saliva-coated hydroxyapatite beads (35-58%); it was devoid of antibacterial activity. tt-Farnesol (1.33 mM) showed modest antibacterial activity against biofilms and its effects on glucosyltransferases were minimal. The incidence of smooth-surface caries was significantly reduced by apigenin +tt-farnesol (60%), fluoride (70%), and chlorhexidine (72%) treatments compared to control (P < 0.05).

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed2002

Effect of triclosan dentifrices on mouth volatile sulphur compounds and dental plaque trypsin-like activity during experimental gingivitis development.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of three commercial anti-plaque dentifrices containing 0.3% triclosan + 2% pvm/ma (Colgate Total), 0.3% triclosan + 0.75% Zn (Signal Global) and 0.3% triclosan + 5% PPi (Crest Complete) in comparison with an experimental dentifrice (0.3% triclosan + 2% pvm/ma + 0.75% Zn + 4% PPi) and a control dentifrice without anti-plaque agents on trypsin-like activity in dental plaque (detected by the hydrolysis of [Na-Benzoyl-DL-Anginine p-Nitroanilide (BAPNA)] and volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) in mouth air during experimental gingivitis development. METHOD: A 5-step double blind, crossover experimental gingivitis study was conducted on 19 volunteers during a 21-day period. The volunteers refrained from brushing an experimental quadrant of teeth. The dentifrices were applied to those teeth via toothshield three times per day; simultaneously they brushed the other teeth with the same dentifrice. After each period, VSCs in mouth air and BAPNA hydrolysis by dental plaque accumulated in the experimental quadrant were determined. RESULTS: There was an increase (p < 0.05) in VSCs in mouth air when experimental gingivitis was induced in only one quadrant of teeth. None of the dentifrices was able to avoid the increase of VSCs during the experimental gingivitis development. The majority of the antiplaque dentifrices evaluated reduced the increase of VSC formation in comparison with the control (p < 0.05). There was no relationship between the ability of the dentifrices in reducing VSC formation and the inhibition of trypsin-like activity in dental plaque. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-plaque dentifrices reduce the increase of VSCs that occurs during the development of experimental gingivitis.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[Fluoride intake by children from water and dentifrice].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the total fluoride dose to which children were exposed during the critical age of developing dental fluorosis, in an optimally fluoridated region, having diet (liquids and solids) and dentifrice as fluoride sources. METHODS: For the pilot study, 39 children (aged 20 to 30 months) were selected from a day care center in Piracicaba, Brazil. They drank and ate food prepared with fluoridated water. To determine the total dose of fluoride exposure, duplicate-plate samples and products from tooth brushing were collected for two consecutive days, in four periods of the year. Fluoride was determined using an ion specific electrode. A 5% level of significance variance analysis (Anova) was carried out. RESULTS: Children were exposed to a total fluoride dose of 0.090 mg/day/kg of body weight, of which 45% came from the diet and 55% from dentifrice. CONCLUSIONS: Assuming 0.07 mg/kg as a threshold value of fluoride systemic exposure, children were exposed to a risk dose for dental fluorosis. Thus, measures to reduce fluoride intake at the studied age range would be recommended. Reducing the amount of dentifrice used for tooth brushing seems to be the best measure, given the risk/benefits of fluoride use from the public health perspective.

Cariostatic Agents↗

PubMed2001

In situ study of sucrose exposure, mutans streptococci in dental plaque and dental caries.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship among frequency of sucrose exposure, mutans streptococci levels and dental caries. Adult volunteers took part in this crossover study performed in 4 phases of 28 days each. The volunteers wore intra-oral palatal appliances containing blocks of human dental enamel and dripped 20% sucrose solution onto the dental blocks from 0 to 8 times/day. After each phase, the colony forming units (CFU) were determined in dental plaque and enamel dental caries was evaluated using cross-sectional hardness. Sucrose frequency had no statistically significant effect on mutans streptococci levels. In the enamel cross-sectional hardness tests, significant differences (p < 0.05) in relation to area of mineral loss were observed only when sucrose exposure was 8 times/day. Similar results were obtained when cross-sectional hardness was assessed at each distance from enamel surface.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Effect of a new variety of Apis mellifera propolis on mutans Streptococci.

The effects of a new variety of propolis, from Northeastern Brazil (BA), on growth of mutans streptococci, cell adherence, and water-insoluble glucan (WIG) synthesis were evaluated. Propolis from Southeastern (MG) and Southern (RS) Brazil were also tested as an extension of our previous work. Ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) were prepared and analyzed by reversed-phase HPLC. For the antibacterial activity assays, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) of EEPs against Streptococcus mutans, S. sobrinus, and S. cricetus were determined. Cell adherence of S. mutans and S. sobrinus to a glass surface was measured spectrophotometrically at 550 nm. WIG synthesized from sucrose by glucosyltransferase (Gtf) was extracted and quantified by the phenol-sulfuric method. The HPLC profile of the new variety of propolis was entirely different from Southeastern and Southern propolis. Neither flavonoid aglycones nor p-coumaric acid were detected in EEP BA. All EEPs demonstrated biological activities against mutans streptococci; EEP BA showed the highest potency in all in vitro parameters evaluated in this study. The ranges of MIC values were 50 (EEP BA)-400 microg/ml (MG), for S. mutans; and 25 (BA)-400 microg/ml (MG), for S. sobrinus and S. cricetus. The bactericidal concentration of EEPs was four to eight times the MIC values. The adherence of S. mutans and S. sobrinus cells and WIG synthesis were markedly inhibited by EEPs, demonstrating significant inhibition at all concentrations compared with the control (80% ethanol) (p<0.05). EEP BA showed 80% inhibition of cell adherence and WIG synthesis at concentrations as low as 12.5 and 7.8 microg/ml, respectively. The results show that the new variety of propolis was exceptionally effective in all in vitro parameters tested against mutans streptococci; biological effects of propolis are likely not to be due solely to flavonoids and (hydroxy)cinnamic acid derivatives.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

In vitro antimicrobial activity of propolis and Arnica montana against oral pathogens.

Arnica and propolis have been used for thousands of years in folk medicine for several purposes. They possess several biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral and tissue regenerative, among others. Although the antibacterial activity of propolis has already been demonstrated, very few studies have been done on bacteria of clinical relevance in dentistry. Also, the antimicrobial activity of Arnica has not been extensively investigated. Therefore the aim here was to evaluate in vitro the antimicrobial activity, inhibition of adherence of mutans streptococci and inhibition of formation of water-insoluble glucan by Arnica and propolis extracts. Arnica montana (10%, w/v) and propolis (10%, w/v) extracts from Minas Gerais State were compared with controls. Fifteen microorganisms were used as follows: Candida albicans--NTCC 3736, F72; Staphylococcus aureus--ATCC 25923; Enterococcus faecalis--ATCC 29212; Streptococcus sobrinus 6715; Strep. sanguis--ATCC 10556; Strep. cricetus--HS-6; Strep. mutans--Ingbritt 1600; Strep. mutans--OMZ 175; Actinomyces naeslundii--ATCC 12104, W 1053; Act. viscosus OMZ 105; Porphyromonas gingivalis; Porph. endodontalis and Prevotella denticola (the last three were clinical isolates). Antimicrobial activity was determined by the agar diffusion method and the zones of growth inhibition were measured. To assess cell adherence to a glass surface, the organisms were grown for 18 h at 37 degrees C in test-tubes at a 30 degree angle. To assay water-insoluble glucan formation, a mixture of crude glucosyltransferase and 0.125 M sucrose was incubated for 18 h at 37 degrees C in test-tubes at a 30 degree angle. Arnica and propolis extracts (20 microl) were added to these tubes to evaluate the % of inhibition of cell adherence and water-insoluble glucan formation. The propolis extract significantly inhibited all the microorganisms tested (p < 0.05), showing the largest inhibitory zone for Actinomyces spp. The Arnica extract did not demonstrate significant antimicrobial activity. Cell adherence and water-insoluble glucan formation were almost completely inhibited by the propolis extract at a final concentration of 400 microg/ml and 500 microg/ml, respectively. The Arnica extract showed slight inhibition of the adherence of the growing cells (19% for Strep. mutans and 15% for Strep. sobrinus) and of water-insoluble glucan formation (29%) at these same concentrations. Thus, the propolis extract showed in vitro antibacterial activity, inhibition of cell adherence and inhibition of water-insoluble glucan formation, while the Arnica extract was only slightly active in those three conditions.

Actinomyces↗

PubMed2000

Effect of 3 dentifrices containing triclosan and various additives. An experimental gingivitis study.

BACKGROUND: The antiplaque and antigingivitis effect of 3 dentifrices was evaluated using the 21-day partial-mouth experimental model of gingivitis. METHOD: 25 volunteers took part in this cross-over, double-blind study, carried out in 4 phases of 21 days each. For each phase of the study, a toothshield of the IV quadrant was constructed for each volunteer. 2 antiplaque dentifrices from the market, one containing triclosan + pvm/ma and the other triclosan + Zn, were compared with an experimental formulation and its placebo. The experimental dentifrice contained triclosan + pvm/ma + Zn + PPi and the placebo (control) did not contain these substances. The subjects were stratified according to their whole-mouth baseline plaque (PI), gingivitis (GI) and bleeding (BI) index scores, and then randomly assigned to 1 of 4 dentifrices. During each phase, while the volunteers brushed their teeth with one of the dentifrices, the IV quadrant was protected by the toothshield filled with the dentifrice used. After each phase, dental plaque, gingivitis and bleeding indices were determined. RESULTS: The results showed that only the formulation containing triclosan + pvm/ma + Zn + PPi was able to reduce PI (28.8%), GI (35.9%) and BI (30.4%) in comparison with controls (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that a dentifrice containing the combination of triclosan + pvm/ma + Zn + PPi should be formulated for dental plaque control.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Fluoride effect on the activity of enamel matrix proteinases in vitro.

Dental fluorosis is common in individuals exposed to different sources of fluoride during tooth development. The mechanism causing this enamel defect is still unknown. Enamel matrix proteinases play a central role in the maturation of dental enamel, and inhibition of these enzymes by fluoride has been one explanation for dental fluorosis. We have investigated the effect of fluoride on the activity of enamel matrix proteinases using a colorimetric assay, casein zymography, and an enamel protein degradation assay. Fluoride (625 microM to 10 mM) inhibited neither the enzymatic activity of the crude matrix extract nor the activity of individual enamel enzymes separated by SDS-PAGE. The proposition that fluoride could directly inhibit enzymes was not confirmed in this study.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed2000

Effect of lead, cadmium and zinc on the activity of enamel matrix proteinases in vitro.

Environmental contamination with heavy metals leads to their uptake by the body. Dental tissues are known to harbor metals in concentrations related to the exposure at the time of dentin or enamel formation. Several enzymes involved in the metabolism of extracellular matrix components have been shown to be inhibited by excess metal ions. Enamel matrix proteinases seem to play a central role in the maturation of dental enamel, and inhibition of these enzymes by metals could interfere with amelogenesis. We have investigated the effect of lead, cadmium and zinc on the activity of enamel matrix proteinases using a colorimetric assay, casein and gelatin zymography, and an assay of enamel protein degradation in vitro. All three metals inhibited the proteolysis, as shown by the three methods employed, in concentrations as low as 110 microM. This study showed that contaminant metals can inhibit proteinolysis when a crude enamel extract containing enamel proteases is tested in vitro. Therefore, the presence of heavy metals in enamel matrix could interfere with amelogenesis due to alteration in normal proteolysis.

Amelogenesis↗

PubMed2000

Effect of saccharin on antibacterial activity of chlorhexidine gel.

Although chlorhexidine is the most effective agent against dental plaque it is extremely bitter. To prepare formulations, it is necessary to use flavoring and sweetening, which can inhibit the antibacterial effect of chlorhexidine. Saccharin has been considered a compatible substance to use in chlorhexidine rinse or gel preparations; however, the effect of a range of concentrations has not been studied. To evaluate the effect of different concentrations of saccharin on the antibacterial activity of chlorhexidine gel, hydroxy-ethyl-cellulose gels containing 1.0% chlorhexidine digluconate and 0.0 to 1.0% sodium saccharin were prepared. Activity against Streptococcus mutans was evaluated using the agar diffusion method and determination of MIC values. The inhibitory zones of growth were 7.83 +/- 0.54 mm when no saccharin was added to the chlorhexidine gel and 7.75 +/- 0.50, 7.63 +/- 0.48, 6.21 +/- 0.40, 4.13 +/- 0.38, when the concentrations of saccharin in the gels were 0.02, 0.10, 0.5, and 1.0%, respectively. The range of MIC values was 1-2 micrograms/ml, with saccharin concentrations of 0%, 0.02, and 0.1%. In contrast, the MIC values were 4-8 and 8-16 micrograms/ml with saccharin concentrations of 0.5% and 1.0%, respectively. The paired "t" test showed that 0.5 and 1.0% sodium saccharin inhibit the antibacterial activity of 1% digluconate chlorhexidine gel. These in vitro results suggest that saccharin may inhibit the efficacy of chlorhexidine against mutans streptococci, depending on the concentration.

Anti-Infective Agents, Local↗

PubMed1998

Antimicrobial activity of propolis on oral microorganisms.

Formation of dental caries is caused by the colonization and accumulation of oral microorganisms and extracellular polysaccharides that are synthesized from sucrose by glucosyltransferase of Streptococcus mutans. The production of glucosyltransferase from oral microorganisms was attempted, and it was found that Streptococcus mutans produced highest activity of the enzyme. Ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) were examined whether EEP inhibit the enzyme activity and growth of the bacteria or not. All EEP from various regions in Brazil inhibited both glucosyltransferase activity and growth of S. mutans, but one of the propolis from Rio Grande do Sul (RS2) demonstrated the highest inhibition of the enzyme activity and growth of the bacteria. It was also found that propolis (RS2) contained the highest concentrations of pinocembrin and galangin.

Actinomyces↗