In vitro evaluation of antibacterial activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Salvia officinalis and Menta longifolia against three cariogenic bacteria

The microbial cause of dental caries has been proved among its multifactorial etiologies. The prevention and control of dental caries is very critical because of high prevalence and cost especially in high risk patient such as xerostomia. Based on the world attraction to traditional treatment and importance of drug extraction of natural material and plants, in this in vitro study effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Salvia officinalis and Menta longifolia which were very useful in traditional treatment of mouth and teeth disease has been determined against cariogenic bacteria.

In this experimental study, hydroalcoholic extracts have been prepared from Salvia officinalis and Menta longifolia with maceration method. Their antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Actinomyces viscosus have been evaluated with broth macrodilution method. Results have been analyzed with Mann-Whitney test.

Minimum inhibitory concentration for Salvia officinalis and Menta longifolia for streptococcus mutans were respectively 6.25 and 12.5 µg/ml, for Lactobacillus rhamnosus 1.56 and 3.12 µg/ml and for Actinomyces viscosus 12.5 and 100 µg/ml.

Both extracts had growth inhibitory effect on all three bacteria. Saliva officinalis had greater effect on inhibition of growth of all three bacteria (p<0.05). Both extracts had bactericidal effect in the range of studied concentrations.