Antibacterial Activity of Plant Polyphenols Belonging to the Tannins against Streptococcus mutans—Potential against Dental Caries

Abstract

Dental caries (DC) is the most common oral pathology. The main bacteria responsible for DC is Streptococcus mutans. One of the strategies that can decrease or eliminate the risk of DC development is using compounds that will inhibit both the growth and virulence factors of S. mutans. Tannins are plant polyphenols that have strong antibacterial activity. The purpose of this study was to assess the antibacterial activity of three tannins against S. mutans. In this investigation, microbiological tests (MIC and MBC) and physicochemical techniques like the fluorescence measurements of tannins’ interaction with S. mutans cell membrane and membrane proteins, zeta potential, and thermodynamic analyses were used to obtain knowledge about the antibacterial potential of the investigated compounds against S. mutans as well as about the mechanisms associated with antibacterial activity. The obtained results demonstrate that the used compounds exhibit high antibacterial activity against S. mutans. The mechanisms of their antibacterial activity are linked to the strong change in the S. mutans membrane fluidity and potential, and to their interaction with membrane proteins that can result in great disturbance of bacterial physiology and ultimately the inhibition of bacterial growth, triggering their death. Therefore, it can be concluded that the investigated compounds can be potentially used as natural factors in the prevention of dental caries.

Harnessing the Power of Polyphenols: A New Frontier in Disease Prevention and Therapy

“…The findings indicated significant antibacterial efficacy against S. mutans , attributed to alterations in membrane fluidity and interactions with membrane proteins ( Figure 6 ). These compounds hold promise as potential natural preventive measures for DC [ 142 ]. Another research endeavor scrutinized the antioxidant and antibacterial attributes of phenolic extracts derived from solid residues (SRs) originating from the essential oil industry.…”