The Antibacterial Activity of Aqueous Extract of Syzygium aromaticum on Selected Pathogenic Bacteria Causing Dental Caries

Abstract

Oral health is the state of the mouth, teeth, and orofacial structures that enable individuals to perform essential functions such as eating, breathing, and speaking and encompasses psychosocial dimensions such as self-confidence, well-being, and the ability to socialize and work without pain, discomfort, and embarrassment. The study aimed to assess the antibacterial activity of aqueous extract of Syzygium aromaticum on selected pathogenic bacteria causing dental caries. Lactobacillus casei recorded the highest susceptibility to ethanolic extract of Clove buds with zone diameter of inhibition ranging from 10 to 20 mm. In comparison, aqueous extract recorded the lowest susceptibility with a zone diameter of inhibition ranging from 8 to 14 mm. Streptococcus mutans recorded the highest susceptibility to aqueous extract of Clove buds with zone diameter of inhibition ranging from 4 to 8 mm. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Syzygium aromaticum buds had a MIC of 125 mg/ml against Lactobacillus casei. In contrast, the aqueous and ethanolic extracts recorded a MIC of 62.5 and 250 mg/ml respectively against Streptococcus mutans. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Syzygium aromaticum buds had MBC of 250 mg/ml and 500 mg/ml respectively against Lactobacillus casei while the ethanolic extract of Syzygium aromaticum buds had MBC of 500 mg/ml against Streptococcus mutans. The findings suggest that S. aromaticum extracts exhibit strong antibacterial activity, particularly when water is used as the extraction medium which highlights its potential for developing alternative antibacterial agents.