Excellent Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Effect of HerbalExtracts on Plaque Colonizers and Caries Inhabitants: An In-Vitro Study

Oral health and hygiene are of high concern with respect to human health. Most of the chemical formulation used to control growth of unwanted oral microorganisms and biofilm formation causes several side effects in long term use. Traditional knowledge and herbal extracts may offer better alternatives in addressing oral health issues. This study highlights inhibitory effect of combination of Emblica officinalis, Terminalia belerica, Terminalia chebula (EOTBTC) and Linum usitatissimum (LU) extracts on aerobic and anaerobic (facultative and strict) microorganisms and biofilms. EOTBTC and LU extracts were found to inhibit the growth Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus acidophillus, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Zone of Inhibition (ZoI) ranged from 3 mm to 36 mm with EOTBTC extract (6 to 36 mg/mL) and with LU extract (6 to 36 mg/mL), ZoI 5 mm to 23 mm. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration MIC of all microorganisms reduced with EOTBTCLU, as compared to individual extract. Reduction in biofilm formation with EOTBTCLU was also noticeable. C. albicans and S. aureus biofilms were more sensitive to extract (6 mg/mL) while P. gingivalis have shown minimum reduction in biofilm at 24 mg/mL concentration. EOTBTCLU extract possessed broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antibiofilm effect and may prove to be better alternative for controlling microorganisms associated with dental caries and biofilms.