Anti-bacterial activity of Corchorus olitorius L. and Acmella caulirhiza Del. on Streptococcus mutans, a cariogenic bacterium

BACKGROUND: Dental caries remains a global oral health challenge with the prevalence reported as high as 66.7% in adults. Despite the use of modern medicines, the prevalence of dental caries remains high. This has led to extensive screening of natural products particularly from plants such as Corchorus olitorius L. and Acmella caulirhiza Del. for anti-cariogenic activity. AIM: To assess the anti-bacterial activity of Corchorus olitorius L. and Acmella caulirhiza Del. on Streptococcus mutans, a cariogenic bacteria. METHODS: Plant materials of C. olitorius L. and A. caulirhiza Del. were extracted using diethyl ether, methanol, distilled water by cold maceration. Agar well diffusion method was used for sensitivity and susceptibility tests on S. mutans (ATCC 6519). RESULTS: The aqueous plant extract of C. olitorius L. and the ether plant extract of A. caulirhiza Del. had the highest zones of inhibition (16.10mm and 12.03mm respectively) at a concentration of 1000mg/ml. The lowest MIC and MBC were 62.5mg/ml and 250mg/ml respectively. CONCLUSION: Both C. olitorius L. and A. caulirhiza Del. as used in oral health practices have been found to have antibacterial activity against the cariogenic S. mutans. Further studies should be conducted to isolate bioactive compounds against S. mutans.