In Vitro Analysis of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Root Extract Activity on Streptococcus mutans in Comparison to Chlorhexidine and Fluoride Mouthwash

Abstract

Aim: The present study was done to determine the activity of licorice root extract on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) in comparison to chlorhexidine and fluoride mouthwash. Materials and methods: In the current study, the different concentrations of aqueous and ethanolic licorice root extract were subjected to microbiological assay and zone of inhibition was determined against S. mutans by agar ditch method. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of aqueous and ethanolic solution was obtained by using broth dilution method and agar dilution method. Chlorhexidine and fluoride mouthwash were kept as a positive control in the present study. One-way ANOVA along with Tukey post hoc test were used at 5% level of significance to analyze data. Results: Mean zone of inhibition of chlorhexidine mouthwash, fluoride mouthwash, aqueous and ethanolic licorice root extracts against S. mutans at 24 hours were 23 mm, 14.2 mm, 15.8 mm and 22.4 mm, respectively. Minimum inhibitory concentration of aqueous and ethanolic licorice root extract on S. mutans was 20 mg/mL and 12.5 mg/mL, respectively by both broth dilution method and agar dilution method. Conclusion:The antibacterial effect produced by ethanolic licorice root extract on S. mutans was comparable to chlorhexidine mouthwash while significantly higher in comparison with aqueous form and fluoride mouthwash. Clinical significance: The interest in the plants with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity has increased now days to treat various dental diseases as consequences of current problems associated with the conventional agents. Licorice root is easily available, economically feasible and culturally acceptable and may possess minimal side effects as compared to conventional means of chemicotherapeutic agents used for reduction of S. mutans in oral cavity and hence can be recommended for prevention of dental caries.

The antibacterial effect of Magnolia mouthwash on the levels of salivary Streptococcus mutans in dental plaque: a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial

“…Many studies have evaluated the use of different mouthwashes from plants and their effect on oral health. However, to overcome the intricacy of studying oral bacteria, most of these surveys were conducted in vitro , which needs a relatively short time interval ( 19 – 21 ). The purpose of this study was 1) to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration of large-leaved magnolia (MIC) against S. mutans 2) to evaluate the role of Magnolia mouthwash in inhibition of S. mutans in dental plaque and 3) to evaluate the role of Magnolia mouthwash in the reduction of plaque index in the studied population.…”

Microbial Etiology and Prevention of Dental Caries: Exploiting Natural Products to Inhibit Cariogenic Biofilms

“…Folk dental practitioners have realized the importance of medicinal plants as effective providers of drugs. Some plants lacking unwanted side effects have even shown higher efficiency than synthetic drugs in the inhibition of dental caries [66]. The World Health Organization has reported that about 80% of the world's population rely on herbal products to treat some diseases [67], and most of the herbal medicines contain at least one botanical molecule [68].…”

“…The World Health Organization has reported that about 80% of the world's population rely on herbal products to treat some diseases [67], and most of the herbal medicines contain at least one botanical molecule [68]. It is worth mentioning that the bioactivity, and bioavailability of phytochemicals have been explored widely [53,66]. According to the research of Malvania et al (2019), a licorice extract produced a significantly higher inhibitory effect on oral pathogens when compared to sodium fluoride [66].…”

“…It is worth mentioning that the bioactivity, and bioavailability of phytochemicals have been explored widely [53,66]. According to the research of Malvania et al (2019), a licorice extract produced a significantly higher inhibitory effect on oral pathogens when compared to sodium fluoride [66]. Fluid or dry plant extracts are added to oral caring products, such as toothpaste, mouthwash, and oral care functional food, to enhance their anti-caries properties [69].…”

Licorice Root Ethanol Extract Induces Cell Proliferation in Human Osteoblast Cells

“…These bioactive components have remarkable pharmacological properties. Among them, Glycyrrhizin, is a triterpenoid saponin, glabridin, which is an active isoflavone, Liquitigenin, licochalcone A, and licorisoflavan A are main active components (Asl et al, 2008;Hosseinzadeh et al, 2015;Malvania et al, 2019). Bioactive compounds have antioxidant, proliferative, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-cancer and anti-ulcer properties (Choi et al, 2011;Hosseinzadeh et al, 2015;Wang et al, 2013).…”