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We have demonstrated that green tea (Camellia sinensis) shows increased antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi when used in combination with butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). Glycolic extract taken from green tea showed only limited activity against Streptococcus mutans and no activity against Candida albicans and certain strains of Escherichia coli. BHA, at non inhibitory concentrations, increased the microbicidal activity of green tea against 10(10) S. mutans (p<0.01), non-susceptible E. coli (p<0.01) and C. albicans (p<0.01). Green tea in combination with BHA reduced the hydrophobicity of S. mutans (p<0.01) and greatly inhibited (p<0.001) the formation of hyphae in C. albicans. The increased antimicrobial activity of green tea is related to an impairment of the barrier function in microorganisms and a depletion of thiol groups. The increased activity of green tea as an oral antimicrobial product is discussed.

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