Evaluation of the antimicrobial properties of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) and Acacia nilotica (babul) pods on cariogenic bacteria from caries lesion

Abstract

Background: Cariogenic bacteria are tooth adherent microorganisms which become cariogenic when fermentable sugars are consumed and form biofilms which produce organic acids that erodes tooth enamel to initiate caries.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of Syzygium aromaticum (Clove) and Acacia nilotica (Babul) pods (CAP) on cariogenic bacteria from caries lesion.

Methods: Bioactive compounds were extracted from the powdered plants using 53% ethanol. Three carious swabs were obtained from three patients who presented with Caries at Dental clinic, Federal University of Allied Health Science, Enugu State, Nigeria, and subjected to isolation and identification by 16S ribosomal RNA gene analyses.

Results: Enterococcus faecalis N.H.IRAQ1, Bacillus subtilis SF2012, Staphylococcus aureus YT-3, and Levilactobacillus brevis CBAK were identified. Antimicrobial evaluation conducted at 100mg/ml concentration of the extract showed Enterococcus faecalis susceptible with inhibition zone of 20.00 ± 1.22mm, Bacillus subtilis 22± 1.52mm, Staphylococcus aureus 22 ± 1.22mm, Levilactobacillus brevis 30± 1.77mm; when compared to control which showed no (0.00mm) zone of inhibition. The MIC for each of the isolates were 3.0mg/ml for E. faecalis, 6.0mg/ml for B. subtilis, 3.0mg/ml for S. aureus, and 1.5mg/ml for L. brevis. The MBC values were 6.0mg/ml for E. faecalis, 12.5 mg/ml for B. subtilis, 6.0mg/ml for S. aureus, and 3mg/ml for L. brevis. There was a significant difference among the groups (p < 0.002).

Conclusion: The findings of the study demonstrated a significant antimicrobial effect of Syzygium aromaticum (Clove) and Acacia nilotica (Babul) pods extract on the isolated cariogenic bacteria, supporting its application in dental care.