Ascorbic acid as a modulator of inflammatory response against Candida albicans.

Aim: To evaluate the behavior of oral keratinocytes in the presence of Vitamin C (Vit C) and its anti-inflammatory potential. Materials & methods: Oral keratinocytes were initially exposed to 0.1-2.5 mM of Vit C and the metabolic activity and cell migration were evaluated using MTS assay and Ibidi culture inserts, respectively. After, the cells were challenged with Candida albicans and inflammatory markers were analyzed by qPCR. Results: The treatment was not cytotoxic, and the highest concentrations increased the metabolic activity at 24 h. Vit C delayed the cell migration at 48 and 72 h. Interestingly, it downregulated the genes IL-8 and IL-1ß. Conclusion: Vit C could be an interesting adjuvant to anti-fungal treatment due to its anti-inflammatory potential.

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a vitamin commonly found in fruits and vegetables. It is popular for supporting our immune system, so is commonly taken as a supplement. We looked at the action of vitamin C on cells from the mouth and its potential to reduce inflammation in a fungal disease of the mouth ­ oral candidiasis. We showed that vitamin C is not toxic to cells of the mouth and may reduce inflammation in cells infected by the fungus. This suggests that vitamin C could be used as a complementary therapy for oral candidiasis.

Cymbopogon citratus Essential Oil Increases the Effect of Digluconate Chlorhexidine on Microcosm Biofilms.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the Cymbopogon citratus essential oil and its association with chlorhexidine on cariogenic microcosm biofilm composition and acidogenicity. Minimum inhibitory and bactericide concentrations from the essential oil and chlorhexidine were determined by broth microdilution assay. Microcosms (polymicrobial) biofilms were produced on glass coverslips, using inoculum from human saliva in McBain culture medium (0.5% sucrose exposure for 6 h/day) for 3 days in 24-well plates. The biofilms were treated twice a day and their composition was evaluated by microorganism quantification. The acidogenicity was evaluated by measuring the pH of the spent culture medium in contact with the biofilm. Overall, the association of C. citratus and chlorhexidine reduced total bacterial counts and aciduric bacteria (maximum reduction of 3.55 log UFC/mL) in microcosm biofilms. This group also presented the lowest acidogenicity even when exposed to sucrose-containing medium. C. citratus essential oil increases the effect of digluconate chlorhexidine on microcosm biofilms. Based on these findings, this study can contribute to the development of new formulations that might allow for the use of mouthwashes for a shorter period, which may reduce undesirable effects and increase patient compliance to the treatment.

Ellagic Acid-Cyclodextrin Complexes for the Treatment of Oral Candidiasis.

The increase in the prevalence of fungal infections worldwide and the rise in the occurrence of antifungal resistance suggest that new research to discover antifungal molecules is needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential use of ellagic acid-cyclodextrin complexes (EA/HP-ß-CD) for the treatment of oral candidiasis. First, the effect of EA/HP-ß-CD on C. albicans planktonic cells and biofilms was evaluated. Then, the cytotoxicity of the effective concentration was studied to ensure safety of in vivo testing. Finally, the in vivo effectiveness was determined by using a murine model of induced oral candidiasis. Data was statistically analyzed. The minimal inhibitory concentration of EA/HP-ß-CD was 25 µg/mL and a concentration of 10 times MIC (250 µg/mL) showed an inhibitory effect on C. albicans 48 h-biofilms. The complex at concentration 250 µg/mL was classified as slightly cytotoxic. In vivo experiments showed a reduction in fungal epithelial invasion after treatment with EA/HP-ß-CD for 24 h and 96 h when compared to the negative control. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that EA/HP-ß-CD has antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects, reducing the invasive capacity of C. albicans, which suggests that EA/HP-ß-CD may be a promising alternative for the treatment of oral candidiasis.

Evaluation of the masticatory muscle function, physiological sleep variables, and salivary parameters after electromechanical therapeutic approaches in adult patients with Down syndrome: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: There are many comorbidities associated with Down syndrome (DS), including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and masticatory muscle alteration. Muscular hypotonia, in particular, of the masticatory and oropharyngeal muscles is one of the main characteristics of individuals with DS, resulting in impairments of speech, swallowing, and mastication in these individuals. In addition, total or partial obstruction of the airways during sleep can occur due to pharyngeal hypotonia, leading to snoring and to OSA. This progressive respiratory disorder is associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality in individuals with DS. The aim of this research is to assess the therapeutic effects of surface neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), the mastication apparatus (MA), and a mandibular advancement oral appliance (OAm) with an embedded thermosensitive microchip on the functions of masticatory muscles (bilateral masseter and temporal muscles), physiological sleep variables, and salivary parameters in adult patients with DS. METHODS: The patients with DS will be randomly selected and divided into three groups (DS-NMES, DS-MA, and DS-OAm) with a minimum of 10 patients in each group. A thermosensitive microchip will be embedded in the OAm to record its compliance. The therapeutic effects on masticatory muscle function will be investigated through electromyography, a caliper, and a force-transducer device; the sleep variables, in turn, will be evaluated by means of polysomnography. The physicochemical and microbiological properties of the saliva will also be analyzed, including the salivary flow, viscosity, buffer capacity, cortisol levels (susceptibility to psychological and/or physical stress), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa levels (risk of aspiration pneumonia) in these patients. The methods determined for this study will be carried out prior to and after 2 months of the recommended therapies. DISCUSSION: The primary outcomes would be the improvement and/or reestablishment of the function of masticatory muscles and the physiological sleep variables in this target public since individuals with DS commonly present generalized muscular hypotonia and dysfunction of the oropharyngeal musculature. As a secondary outcome indicator, the impact of the applied therapies (NMES, MA, and OAm) on the salivary microbiological and physicochemical properties in DS individuals will also be assessed. Furthermore, the compliance of OAm usage will be measured through a thermosensitive microchip. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos, RBR-3qp5np . Registered on 20 February 2018.

Mouthwash containing Croton doctoris essential oil: in vitro study using a validated model of caries induction.

AIM: To validate an in vitro caries model and to evaluate an experimental mouthwash containing Croton doctoris essential oil.  Materials & methods: To validate the experimental model, we used McBain medium and polymicrobial biofilms. The EOM (essential oil mouthwash) was tested using the validated model. Microbial composition (colony-forming unit/ml), acidogenicity, enamel demineralization (percentage of surface enamel hardness loss), cytotoxicity and essential oil composition were evaluated. RESULTS: The model was validated with 0.5% sucrose, duration of 4 days and treatments twice per day. There were statistically significant differences between the EOM, the negative control and chlorhexidine mouthwash in colony-forming unit/ml and percentage of surface enamel hardness loss. Cytotoxicity was similar to that of chlorhexidine mouthwash.  A total of 66.11% of the essential oil consists of sesquiterpenes. CONCLUSION: The experimental mouthwash showed antimicrobial activity against polymicrobial biofilms and reduced enamel demineralization.

Screening of plants with antimicrobial activity against enterobacteria, Pseudomonas spp. and Staphylococcus spp.

AIM: This study screened plants for antibacterial properties against bacteria of medical importance. MATERIALS & METHODS: 60 extracts were obtained from the leaves of ten plants (Jatropha weddelliana, Attalea phalerata, Buchenavia tomentosa, Croton doctoris, Mouriri elliptica, Mascagnia benthamiana, Senna aculeata, Unonopis guatterioides, Allagoptera leucocalyx and Bactris glaucescens) using different extraction methods: A) Ethanol 70°C/72 h; B) Water/5 min/100°C; C) Water/1 h/55°C; D) Water/72 h; E) Hexane/72 h and F) Ethanol 99°C/72 h. Enterobacteria/Pseudomonas and staphylococci reference strains and 201 clinical isolates were used. Primary screening was done using agar well-diffusion assay. MIC/minimum bactericidal concentration and chemical characterization were determined. RESULTS: Extracts 5F and 3A showed the best MIC/minimum bactericidal concentration against clinical isolates and showed the presence of phenols. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that Mouriri elliptica and Buchenavia tomentosa were the most active plants against the studied bacteria.

Plant extracts: initial screening, identification of bioactive compounds and effect against Candida albicans biofilms.

AIM: This study screened plants from Brazilian Pantanal for Candida albicans antibiofilm activity. MATERIAL & METHODS: Sixty extracts were obtained from ten plants using different extraction methods. Antifungal activity was assessed. Effects on biofilm inhibition and disruption and cytotoxicity were also evaluated. The most active extract was chemically characterized. RESULTS: Buchenavia tomentosa ethanolic extract showed noticeable antifungal activity and was selected for biofilm experiments. Subinhibitory concentration of extract inhibited fungal adhesion. Maximum killing reached 90% of C. albicans cells in suspension and 65% of cells in biofilms. The active extract was noncytotoxic. Chemical characterization showed the presence of phenols. Ellagic and gallic acids showed activity on C. albicans. CONCLUSION: B. tomentosa extract and its isolated compound, ellagic acid, presented antibiofilm activity and low toxicity.

Cymbopogon citratus essential oil: effect on polymicrobial caries-related biofilm with low cytotoxicity

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil and its main compound (citral) against primary dental colonizers and caries-related species. Chemical characterization of the essential oil was performed by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS), and the main compound was determined. Antimicrobial activity was tested against Actinomyces naeslundii, Lactobacillus acidophilus, S. gordonii, S. mitis, S. mutans, S. sanguinis and S. sobrinus. Minimum inhibitory and bactericide concentrations were determined by broth microdilution assay for streptococci and lactobacilli reference, and for clinical strains. The effect of the essential oil on bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation/disruption was investigated. Negative (without treatment) and positive controls (chlorhexidine) were used. The effect of citral on preformed biofilm was also tested using the same methodology. Monospecies and microcosm biofilms were tested. ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests were used (α=0.05). Cytotoxicity of the essential oil to human keratinocytes was performed by MTT assay. GC/MS demonstrated one major component (citral). The essential oil showed an inhibitory effect on all tested bacterial species, including S. mutans and L. acidophilus. Essential oil of C. citratus (10X MIC) reduced the number of viable cells of lactobacilli and streptococci biofilms (p < 0.05). The essential oil inhibited adhesion of caries-related polymicrobial biofilm to dental enamel (p < 0.01). Citral significantly reduced the number of viable cells of streptococci biofilm (p < 0.001). The essential oil showed low cytotoxicity to human keratinocytes. Based on these findings, this study can contribute to the development of new formulations for products like mouthwash, against dental biofilms.

Terapias alternativas para o tratamento da estomatite por prótese total: modelo experimental in vivo em ratos / Alternative therapies for denture stomatitis treatment: in vivo experimental model in rats

A estomatite por prótese (EP) é uma condição multifatorial que acomete frequentemente usuários de prótese total e geralmente é relacionada com Candida albicans. Devido aos efeitos tóxicos da terapia antifúngica, novas terapias para EP são necessárias. Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia do extrato aquoso de Buchenavia tomentosa e bicarbonato de sódio frente a C. albicans em um modelo de EP em ratos. Material e Métodos: Um aparelho de resina acrílica simulando a base da prótese total foi fixado cobrindo o palato de 48 ratos machos seguido por indução da candidose. Os ratos foram divididos em 4 grupos (n=12): controle, bicarbonato de sódio, B. tomentosa e nistatina (controle positivo). Cada grupo foi subdividido de acordo com o período de tratamento; 24 horas (n=6) e 48 horas (n=6). Os animais foram sacrificados e os aparelhos foram removidos para contagem de C. albicans e análise por microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Resultados: Após 24 horas de tratamento, observou-se redução significativa da contagem de C. albicans tanto B. tomentosa quanto nistatina (nistatina x controle, p<0,01; B. tomentosa x controle, p=0,03). Os resultados foram confirmados pela análise histológica. Conclusão: Tanto o extrato aquoso de B. tomentosa e o bicarbonato de sódio foram capazes de reduzir significativamente as contagens de C. albicans em modelo experimental de EP (AU)

Background: Denture stomatitis (DS) is a multifactorial condition that commonly affects denture users and is mainly caused by Candida albicans. Due to the toxic effects of antifungal therapy, new therapies for DS are claimed. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of aqueous extract of Buchenavia tomentosa and sodium bicarbonate against C. albicans in a model of DS in rats. Material and Methods: An acrylic resin device simulating a denture base was fixed covering the palate of forty-eight male rats followed by candidiasis induction. Rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 12): Control, sodium bicarbonate, B. tomentosa and nystatin (positive control). Each group was subdivided according to the period of treatment; 24 h (n = 6) and 48 h (n = 6). Animals were sacrificed and had their devices removed for C. albicans counts and SEM analysis. The palate mucosa was removed and processed for histopathologic analysis. Results: After 24 h of treatment, both B. tomentosa and nystatin groups reduced significantly C. albicans counts when compared to control (nystatin x control, p < 0.01; B. tomentosa x control, p = 0.03). The results were confirmed by the histologic analysis. Conclusion: Both the aqueous extract of B. tomentosa and sodium bicarbonate was able to significantly decrease C. albicans counts in an experimental model of DS (AU)

Effectiveness of castor oil extract on Escherichia coli and its endotoxins in root canals.

This in vitro study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of castor oil extract used as an irrigating solution on Escherichia coli and its endotoxins in root canals. Sixty single-rooted teeth were prepared (using castor oil extract as irrigating solution) and divided into five groups (n = 12): Group 1 samples were treated with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), Group 2 samples were treated with polymyxin B, Group 3 samples were treated with Ca(OH)2 and 2% chlorhexidine gel (CHX), and Group 4 samples were treated with castor oil extract. A control group used physiological saline solution as an irrigant. Canal content samples were collected at four different times: immediately after instrumentation, seven days after instrumentation, after 14 days of intracanal medication, and seven days after removal of intracanal medication. A plating method was used to assess antimicrobial activity and the quantification of endotoxins was evaluated by the chromogenic Limulus lysate assay. Data were submitted to ANOVA and a Dunn test (a = 5%). Irrigation with castor oil extract decreased E. coli counts but had no effect on the level of endotoxins. Samples taken seven days after removal of medication revealed a significant reduction in endotoxin levels in Groups 3 and 4. Compared to the saline solution irrigation, castor oil extract decreased microorganism counts in root canals immediately after canal preparation. None of the medications used completely eliminated endotoxins in the root canal.

Ability of different restorative materials to prevent in situ secondary caries: analysis by polarized light-microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray.

Secondary caries is the main cause of direct restoration replacement. The purpose of this study was to analyze enamel adjacent to different restorative materials after in situ cariogenic challenge using polarized-light microscopy (PLM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS). Twelve volunteers, with a low level of dental plaque, a low level of mutans streptococci, and normal salivary flow, wore removable palatal acrylic appliances containing enamel specimens restored with Z250 composite, Freedom composite, Fuji IX glass-ionomer cement, or Vitremer resin-modified glass-ionomer for 14 days. Volunteers dripped one drop of 20% sucrose solution (n = 10) or distilled water (control group) onto each specimen 8 times per day. Specimens were removed from the appliances and submitted to PLM for examination of the lesion area (in mm(2)), followed by dehydration, gold-sputtering, and submission to SEM and EDS. The calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) contents were evaluated in weight per cent (%wt). Differences were found between Z250 and Vitremer, and between Z250 and FujiIX, when analyzed using PLM. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis results showed differences between the studied materials regarding Ca %wt. In conclusion, enamel adjacent to glass-ionomer cement presented a higher Ca %wt, but this material did not completely prevent enamel secondary caries under in situ cariogenic challenge.

Atividade antimicrobiana da tintura e infusão de origanum vulgare (orégano) / Anti-microbial activity of tincture or infusion of origanum vulgare (oregano)

O crescente interesse pelo uso de extratos naturais como alternativa na prevenção e tratamento de patologias colocam em discussão as propriedades antimicrobianas de diferentes tipos de especiarias como o Origanum vulgare (orégano). O objetivo do estudo foi avaliara atividade antimicrobiana da tintura e da infusão preparada com Origanum vulgare sobre cepas de Candida albicans (ATCC36802), Candida tropicalis (ATCC 13803), Candida parapsilosis (ATCC 22019), Candida krusei (ATCC 6258), Candida guilliermondii (FCF 205), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) e Sthaphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538). Para avaliação da máxima diluição inibitória (MDI), tubos contendo 50 por cento, 25 por cento, 12,5 por cento, 6 por cento, 3 por cento, 1,5 por cento, 0,75 por cento e 0,3 por cento da tintura ou da infusão em meio de cultura foram contaminados com 0,1 ml de suspensões dos microrganismos padronizadas por espectrofotometria. Os tubos foram incubados a 37°C por 24 horas e após este período, foi realizada a avaliação do crescimento microbiano. Todos os testes foram realizados em duplicata...

The increasing interest on the use of natural extracts as an alternative in the prevention and treatment of pathologies leads to the discussion on the antimicrobial properties of different types of plants such as Origanum vulgare. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the tincture and infusion prepared with Origanum vulgare on Candida albicans (ATCC 36802), Candida tropicalis (ATCC 13803), Candida parapsilosis (ATCC 22019), Candida krusei (ATCC 6258), Candida guilliermondii (FCF205), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) e Sthaphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538). For the evaluation of maximum inhibitory dilution (MID), tubes containg 50 percent, 25 percent, 12.5 percent, 6 percent, 3 percent, 1.5 percent, 0.75 percent and 0.3 percent of the tincture or infusion in culture medium were contaminated with 0.1 ml of the standardized suspensions obtained by spectrophotometry. Tubes were incubated at 37°C for 24 h and after this period the evaluation of the microbial growth was performed. All the tests were performed in duplicate

Antimicrobial activity of chlorophyll-based solution on Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis

Chlorophyll is a phytotherapic substance that presents curing properties, however it is rarely used in Dentistry. Objective: to analyze the antimicrobial activity of a chlorophyll-based solution on isolates of Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis by agar dilution method. Material and Methods: oral isolates and Candida albicans reference strain (ATCC 18804) and Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212) were included in the study. Chlorophyll extract was diluted in Sabouraud dextrose or brain heart infusion (BHI) agar, according to the testing microorganism and poured in Petri plates, obtaining the final concentrations of 50%, 25%, 12.5%, 6%, 3% and 1.5%. C. albicans and E. faecalis strains were plated with the aid of a Steers? inoculator. Plates were incubated at 37°C for 48 h for C. albicans and at 5% CO2 for E. faecalis. The experiments were performed in duplicate. Results: the results showed that the concentrations 50% and 25% chlorophyll extract were effective against C. albicans. E. faecalis grew in the presence of all the concentrations. Conclusion: chlorophyll-based solution presents effective antimicrobial activity of C. albicans but did not present any activity on E. faecalis.

A clorofila é uma substância fitoterápica que possui propriedades curativas, apesar de ainda ser pouco utilizada na odontologia. O presente trabalho objetivou analisar a atividade antimicrobiana do extrato de clorofila sobre amostras de Candida albicans e Enterococcus faecalis, utilizando o método de diluição em ágar. Foram incluídos no estudo isolados bucais e amostra-padrão de Candida albicans (ATTC 18804) e Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212). O extrato de clorofila foi diluído em ágar Sabouraud ou Triptic soy, de acordo com o microrganismo a ser testado, e vertido em placas de Petri, obtendo concentrações finais de 50%, 25%, 12,5%, 6%, 3% e 1,5%. As amostras de Candida albicans e Enterococcus faecalis foram semeadas nas placas com auxílio de replicador de Steers. Em seguida, as placas de Petri com C. albicans foramincubadas a 37°C por 48 horas; para as de E. faecalis procedeu-se do mesmo modo, em 5% de CO2. Os experimentos foram realizados em duplicata. Os resultados mostraram que as concentrações de 50% e 25% do extrato de clorofila foram efetivas nas amostras de Candida albicans, entretanto nas concentrações de 12,5%, 6%, 3% e 1,5% observou-se crescimento. Enterococcus faecalis desenvolveu-se em todas as concentrações. Foi possível concluir que o extrato de clorofila, diluído em até 25%, tem efetiva ação antimicrobiana sobre Candida albicans, não apresentando atividade sobre Enterococcus faecalis nas concentrações testadas.

Antimicrobial activity of coffee-based solutions and their effects on Streptococcus mutans adherence

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of different coffee solutions and their effects on the adherence of Streptococcus mutans to glass surface. Coffee solutions were prepared with three commercial products (Pilão, Mellita and Café do Ponto) by two different methods (simple and boiled) (n=15). A control group was also included in the study. For antimicrobial activity testing, tubes containing coffee solution and culture medium were inoculated with a suspension of S. mutans ATCC 35688 and incubated for 1min, 1h, 2h and 4h. Serial dilutions and plating on BHI agar were performed. S. mutans adherence to glass in presence of the different coffee solutions was also tested. The number of adhered bacteria (CFU/mL) was determined by plating method. The results were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test. The tested coffee solutions did not reduce the number of colony forming units of S. mutans in relation to the control at all evaluation periods. All the solutions reduced significantly the adherence of S. mutans to the glass surface in relation to control. The tested coffee solutions did not present any antimicrobial effect on Streptococcus mutans, however, all the coffee solutions reduced significantly the adherence of S. mutans to the glass surface.

Antimicrobial activity of Uncaria tomentosa against oral human pathogens.

Uncaria tomentosa is considered a medicinal plant used over centuries by the peruvian population as an alternative treatment for several diseases. Many microorganisms usually inhabit the human oral cavity and under certain conditions can become etiologic agents of diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of different concentrations of Uncaria tomentosa on different strains of microorganisms isolated from the human oral cavity. Micropulverized Uncaria tomentosa was tested in vitro to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) on selected microbial strains. The tested strains were oral clinical isolates of Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus spp., Candida albicans, Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The tested concentrations of Uncaria tomentosa ranged from 0.25-5% in Müeller-Hinton agar. Three percent Uncaria tomentosa inhibited 8% of Enterobacteriaceae isolates, 52% of S. mutans and 96% of Staphylococcus spp. The tested concentrations did not present inhibitory effect on P. aeruginosa and C. albicans. It could be concluded that micropulverized Uncaria tomentosa presented antimicrobial activity on Enterobacteriaceae, S. mutans and Staphylococcus spp. isolates.

Antimicrobial activity of Uncaria tomentosa against oral human pathogens

Uncaria tomentosa is considered a medicinal plant used over centuries by the peruvian population as an alternative treatment for several diseases. Many microorganisms usually inhabit the human oral cavity and under certain conditions can become etiologic agents of diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of different concentrations of Uncaria tomentosa on different strains of microorganisms isolated from the human oral cavity. Micropulverized Uncaria tomentosa was tested in vitro to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) on selected microbial strains. The tested strains were oral clinical isolates of Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus spp., Candida albicans, Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The tested concentrations of Uncaria tomentosa ranged from 0.25-5 percent in Müeller-Hinton agar. Three percent Uncaria tomentosa inhibited 8 percent of Enterobacteriaceae isolates, 52 percent of S. mutans and 96 percent of Staphylococcus spp. The tested concentrations did not present inhibitory effect on P. aeruginosa and C. albicans. It could be concluded that micropulverized Uncaria tomentosa presented antimicrobial activity on Enterobacteriaceae, S. mutans and Staphylococcus spp. isolates.

Uncaria tomentosa é uma planta medicinal usada por vários séculos pela população peruana como alternativa de tratamento para diversas doenças. Muitos microrganismos que usualmente não habitam a cavidade bucal humana podem se tornar agentes etiológicos de doenças sob certas condições. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana de diferentes concentrações de Uncaria tomentosa sobre diferentes cepas de microrganismos isolados de cavidades bucais humanas. Uncaria tomentosa micropulverizada foi testada in vitro para determinar a concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) em isolados microbianos selecionados. Cepas de Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus spp., Candida albicans, Enterobacteriaceae e Pseudomonas aeruginosa avaliadas foram isoladas de cavidades bucais humanas. Foram preparadas as concentrações de Uncaria tomentosa entre 0.25 e 5 por cento em ágar Müeller-Hinton. Uncaria tomentosa a 3 por cento inibiu 8 por cento de Enterobacteriaceae, 52 por cento de S. mutans e 96 por cento de Staphylococcus spp. As concentrações testadas não apresentaram efeito inibitório sobre P. aeruginosa e C. albicans. Concluiu-se que Uncaria tomentosa micropulverizada apresenta atividade antimicrobiana sobre cepas de Enterobacteriaceae, S. mutans e Staphylococcus spp.