Antimicrobial activities of edible plant extracts against oral bacteria

Abstract

Thirty-five edible plants were tested against oral bacteria (Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus casei, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Klebsiella pneumonia). The edible plants were extracted using 70% ethanol as a solvent. Among the thirty-five edible plants, hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) extract was selected as an effective antibacterial source because it showed the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration. The antimicrobial substances of hibiscus extract were very stable at acidic condition and at wide range of temperature 4-75 o C. The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of hibiscus extract were 130.5 and 25.7 mg/g, respectively. Also hibiscus extract showed a high degree of antioxidant activity.