An in vitro study on antimicrobial activity of Solanum sisymbriifolium extract on Streptococcus mutans

Abstract

Context: Dental caries is one of the most common chronic infectious diseases of humans. Among the causative
microorganism of dental caries, Streptococcus mutans is considered to be a pioneer initiator for this disease. Dental
caries is prevalent in spite of the widespread use of mechanical and chemical plaque control methods. Considering
the current era, research studies focus on incorporating traditional ingredients in controlling of dental caries. This
is one such study on Solanum sisymbriifolium a known antimicrobial plant. Aims: The aim of the study was to
determine the minimum zone of inhibition of S. sisymbriifolium against S. mutans. Settings and Design: This was
an in vitro study. Materials and Methods: The well diffusion method using blood agar plates was used to evaluate
the antibacterial activity of 5%, 10%, and 50% concentration of S. sisymbriifolium extract against S. mutans in
comparison with 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouth wash. Statistical Analysis Used: Results were statistically
analyzed using independent sample t test to compare mean or median zone of inhibition between two groups.
Results: Minimum zone of inhibition for 0.2% Chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash at 5%, 10%, and 50% are
found to be 3.3000 mm, 4.5033 mm, and 7.2767 mm, respectively, similarly for S. sisymbriifolium extract are
2.2133 mm, 3.7533 mm, and 5.3633 mm, respectively. Conclusions: S. sisymbriifolium has antimicrobial activity
against S. mutans. The zone of inhibition (in mm) was statistically significant at 10% of concentration comparable
with other concentrations. The inhibitory effect of 5%, 10%, and 50% concentrations of 0.2% Chlorhexidine
gluconate mouthwash is significantly better than corresponding concentrations of S. sisymbriifolium. However,
the inhibitory effect of S. sisymbriifolium is found to increase as the concentration increases.