Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oils and Their Isolated Constituents against Cariogenic Bacteria: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Dental caries remains the most prevalent and costly oral infectious disease worldwide. Several methods have been employed to prevent this biofilm-dependent disease, including the use of essential oils (EOs). In this systematic review, we discuss the antibacterial activity of EOs and their isolated constituents in view of a potential applicability in novel dental formulations. Seven databases were systematically searched for clinical trials, in situ, in vivo and in vitro studies addressing the topic published up to date. Most of the knowledge in the literature is based on in vitro studies assessing the effects of EOs on caries-related streptococci (mainly Streptococcus mutans) and lactobacilli, and on a limited number of clinical trials. The most promising species with antibacterial potential against cariogenic bacteria are: Achillea ligustica, Baccharis dracunculifolia, Croton cajucara, Cryptomeria japonica, Coriandrum sativum, Eugenia caryophyllata, Lippia sidoides, Ocimum americanum, and Rosmarinus officinalis. In some cases, the major phytochemical compounds determine the biological properties of EOs. Menthol and eugenol were considered outstanding compounds demonstrating an antibacterial potential. Only L. sidoides mouthwash (1%) has shown clinical antimicrobial effects against oral pathogens thus far. This review suggests avenues for further non-clinical and clinical studies with the most promising EOs and their isolated constituents bioprospected worldwide.

Susceptibility of cariogenic microorganisms to phytoconstituents

“…Constituents isolated from natural products with MIC range of 101-500 μg/mL are considered with strong activity, and moderate activity when exhibit MIC range of 501-1000 μg/mL (Freires et al, 2015). Considering these parameters, the results of this study indicate that thymol and citronellol exhibited strong and moderate activity, respectively.…”

“…Many plant species, their extracts, and isolated phytochemicals have been investigated for antimicrobial action against oral microorganisms (Harris, 2002;Reis et al, 2014;Freires et al, 2015).…”

Plant Essential Oil: An Alternative to Emerging Multidrug Resistant Pathogenso

“…Abundant efforts have been executed in order to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of EOs against several diseases especially those characterized by excessive cell growth and proliferation such as cancer or bacterial infections [15]. The major mechanisms that mediate the cytotoxic effects of EOs comprise the induction of cell death by activation of apoptosis and/or necrosis processes, cell cycle arrest, and loss of function of essential organelles.…”

Biochemical and Microbiological Analysis of Different Organic Manures: Their Effect on Germination of Coriandrum sativum (Cilantro) and Solanum melongena (Eggplant)

“…Its leaves and seeds are commonly used in south Asian, Chinese, Thai and Mexican cuisines. It also has medicinal properties -rich source of vitamins, detoxification ability by removal of heavy metals from the body and the essential oil has antibacterial property [8][9][10]. Eggplant on the other hand is one of the most commonly grown vegetable crop in India which is grown throughout the year, with an average productivity of 16.3 MT/ha, contributing to 27% of the global production.…”