DETERMINING THE EFFICACY OF OCIMUM SANCTUM LEAVES EXTRACT ON CARIOGENIC PROPERTIES OF STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS - AN IN VITRO STUDY

*Dr. Gurusamy Kayalvizhi, Dr. Balaji Subramaniyan R, Dr. Gurusamy Suganya, Dr. Neeraja R

ABSTRACT

Context: Ocimum sanctum has often been cited as one of the main pillars of herbal medicine as it possesses greater medicinal value. It has been proved to be effective against gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Aim: To assess the antimicrobial efficacy of Ocimum Sanctum extract against Streptococcus mutans and to analyze its mode of action on key virulence factors of Streptococcus mutans in vitro. Methods and material: Ocimum Sanctum extract using methanol, ethanol and aqueous solvents was prepared from freshly collected, air dried and powdered leaves. These extracts obtained at different concentrations were subjected to antimicrobial screening for cariogenic microorganism. Further its effect on cariogenic properties of streptococcus mutans such as acid production, cell-surface hydrophobicity, sucrose-dependent adherence to glass surface and growth were evaluated with assorted assays. Statistical analysis: One sample t-test was done. Results: Methanol extract of ocimum sanctum demonstrated good antimicrobial activity and inhibitory effect on key virulence factors of streptococcus mutans. Conclusion: From the results of the present study, ocimum sanctum could be considered as a potential phytotherapeutic anticariogenic agent. Thus with further research, it could be recommended as an anticaries mouthwash in children.

Keywords: ocimum sanctum, antimicrobial activity, streptococcocus mutans, virulence factors, anticaries, plant extracts, herbs, tulsi.