The In Vitro Assessment of Antibacterial and Antioxidant Efficacy in Rosa damascena and Hypericum perforatum Extracts against Pathogenic Strains in the Interplay of Dental Caries, Oral Health, and Food Microbiota

Abstract

The rising demand for novel antibiotic agents prompts an investigation into natural resources, notably plant-derived compounds. In this study, various extracts (aqueous, ethanolic, aqueous-ethanolic, and enzymatic) of Rosa damascena and Hypericum perforatum were systematically evaluated against bacterial strains isolated from dental lesions (n = 6) and food sources (raw milk and broiler carcass, n = 2). Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC), antibiofilm activity, and time-kill kinetics were assessed across a range of extract concentrations, revealing a dose-responsive effect. Notably, some extracts exhibited superior antibacterial efficacy compared to standard clinical antibiotics, and the time-kill kinetics demonstrated a rapid elimination of bacterial loads within 24 h. The susceptibility pattern proved strain-specific, contingent upon the extract type, yet all tested pathogens exhibited sensitivity. The identified extracts, rich in phenolic and polyphenolic compounds, as well as other antioxidant properties, contributed to their remarkable antibiotic effects. This comprehensive investigation not only highlights the potential of Rosa damascena and Hypericum perforatum extracts as potent antibacterial agents against diverse bacterial strains including caries pathogens, but also underscores their rapid action and dose-dependent efficacy. The findings suggest a promising avenue for harnessing plant-derived compounds in the development of novel antimicrobial strategies against dental caries and other oral inflammations, bridging the gap between natural resources and antibiotic discovery.

Comprehensive Bio-Screening of Phytochemistry and Biological Capacity of <em>Oregano </em>(<em>Origanum vulgare</em>) and <em>Salvia triloba</em> Extracts against Oral Cariogenic and Food-Origin Pathogenic Bacteria

“…Aqueous extracts underwent lyophilization in a freeze dryer for approximately 7 hours or overnight. Prior to use, these extracts were exposed to ultraviolet light overnight to eliminate potential microbial contaminants [1]. The letter ʹAʹ was used as an abbreviation for convenience.…”

“…To obtain ethanol extracts, we followed the procedure outlined in section 2.1.2, with the only difference being the use of an ethyl alcohol solution as the solvent instead of DIW. Two concentrations of 96% ethyl alcohol solution were used: 40% and 60%, both prepared from DIW [1]. The abbreviations used for the ethanolic extracts are E40 and E60, representing 40% and 60% concentrations, respectively.…”

“…Keynotes for the pretreatment process: The plant material underwent several steps, including washing under running water, manual removal of unsuitable elements, and cutting into 1 mm pieces using a slicer to increase surface area. These pieces were then washed with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) to eliminate intracellular vesicles released from damaged cells [1,32]. The abbreviation ʺENZʺ was used.…”

“…-Detection of alkaloids [1,32,33] The alkaloids in plant extract were identified, using (a) the Mayer's reagent, (b) the Wagner's reagent and (c) the Hager's reagent (Picric acid test) as per the previous reports. -Detection of anthraquinones [1,32,33] In summary, fifty milligrams of the extract were dissolved in 5 mL of distilled water (DW) and then filtered. Two milliliters of the resulting extract solution were transferred to a test tube containing 10 mL of benzene.…”

“…Since ancient times, humans recognized the capacity of plants to generate chemical substances essential for the survival of all organisms inhabiting planet Earth [1]. Both the cause of Socratesʹ death and the development of active concentrations of salicylic acid (aspirin) involve these chemicals and they are among at least 100,000 chemical substances found in plants [2].…”