ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTIPLASMID ACTIVITIES OF MORUS ALBA L.AGAINST POTENT ORAL PATHOGENS

Abstract

Streptococcus mutans is one of the common initiators of dental caries. Inhibition of Streptococcus mutans and other cariogens with phytochemicals can be well appreciated for prevention of caries progression. Development of multidrug resistance in the oral microbial population is a major challenge in caries management. The current study aims at the evaluation of antimicrobial and antiplasmid activity of Morus alba root extracts against common oral pathogens Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis. The extract showed inhibitory activity against the studied bacteria under lower concentrations and against Candida albicans under higher concentrations. The MIC values were found to be 0.25mg/ml for Streptococcus mutans, 0.5mg/ml for Lactobacillus acidophilus and Enterococcus faecalis and 1mg/ml for Candida albicans. The extracts showed excellent antiplasmid activity against Streptococcus mutans and moderate activity Lactobacillus acidophilus and Enterococcus faecalis. Morus alba root extracts can form an excellent candidate for the management of dental caries
can limits the transfer of multidrug resistance among the commensal oral microbes.