Potential Fatty Acid as Antibacterial Agent Against Oral Bacteria of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis from Basil (Ocimum americanum): In vitro and In silico Studies.

BACKGROUND: Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis are Gram-positive bacteria that cause dental caries. MurA enzyme acts as a catalyst in the formation of peptidoglycan in bacterial cell walls, making it ideal as an antibacterial target. Basil (Ocimum americanum) is an edible plant that is diverse and has been used as a herbal medicine for a long time. It has been reported that basil has a pharmacological effect as well as antibacterial activity. The purpose of this study was to identify antibacterial compounds in O. americanum and analyze their inhibition activity on MurA enzyme. METHODS: Fresh leaves from O. americanum were extracted with n-hexane and purified by a combination of column chromatography on normal and reverse phases together with in vitro bioactivity assay against S. mutans ATCC 25175 and S. sanguinis ATCC 10556, respectively, while in silico molecular docking simulation of lauric acid (1) was conducted using PyRx 0.8. RESULTS: The structure determination of antibacterial compound by spectroscopic methods resulted in an active compound lauric acid (1). The in vitro evaluation of antibacterial activity in compound 1 showed Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) values of 78.13 and 156.3 ppm and 1250 and 2500 ppm against S. sanguinis and S. mutans, respectively. Further analysis and in silico evaluation determined lauric acid (1) as MurA Enzyme inhibitor. Lauric acid (1) showed a binding affinity of -5.2 Kcal/mol, which was higher than fosfomycin. CONCLUSION: Lauric acid showed the potential as a new natural antibacterial agent through MurA inhibition in bacterial cell wall biosynthesis.

Antimicrobial activity of rhodomyrtone isolated from Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Aiton) Hassk.

Rhodomyrtone was isolated from the leaves of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Aiton) Hassk grown in Vietnam using chromatographic methods. Its chemical structure was confirmed by means of spectroscopic data analysis. The pH drop measurement, enzyme activity assays and fluorescence stain were used to examine rhodomyrtone anticaries activity. It was found that rhodomyrtone suppressed acid production by Streptococcus mutans, a major cariogenic agent in human by inhibiting enzyme activities responsible for acid production and tolerance, including membrane bound enzymes F-ATPase and phosphotransferase system (PTS), as well as glycolysis enzymes glyceraldehyphosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and pyruvate kinase (PK) in cytoplasm with the IC50 values of 24 µM, 19 µM, 23 µM and 28 µM, respectively. Moreover, 50 µM rhodomyrtone reduced biofilm biomass formed by S. mutans up to 59% (p < 0.05). Fluorescent images indicated that cells on the biofilms were significantly killed. Thus, rhodomyrtone is a new and potential anticaries agent against S. mutans.

Design and study of anticaries effect of different medicinal plants against S.mutans glucosyltransferase.

BACKGROUND: The present study was aimed to evaluate the molecular level anticaries effect of different medicinal plants against Streptococcus mutans (S.mutans) glucosyltransferases (gtf). METHODS: A total of six natural sources named as Terminalia chebula (T.chebula), Psidium guajava (P.guajava), Azadirachta indica (A.indica) and Pongamia pinnata (P.pinnata); two essential oils, clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and peppermint oil (Mentha piperita) were selected as test samples. Hydroalcoholic plant extracts and essential oils were examined for their inhibitory potential on gtf isolated from S.mutans. Polyherbal mouth wash was prepared and its effect on gtf activity was compared with commercial chlorhexidine mouth wash (5%w/v). Enzyme kinetic study was carried out in order to explore the molecular mechanism of enzyme action. RESULTS: Out of six natural sources tested, A.indica has shown maximum inhibitory effect of 91.647% on gtf and T.chebula has shown IC50 of 1.091 mg/ml which is significant when compared to standard chlorhexidine. From the final result of kinetic analysis it was found that T.chebula, P.guajava and P.pinnata have show uncompetitive inhibition where as A.indica has shown non-competitive inhibition. Surprisingly, both essential oils have shown allosteric inhibition (sigmoidal response). The polyherbal moutwash has shown significant inhibitory potential on gtf (95.936%) when compared to commercial chlorhexidine mouthwash (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: All the tested samples have shown considerable gtf inhibitory action. Moreover polyherbal mouth wash has shown promising noncompetitive inhibitory activity against gtf and it could be the future formulation to combat dental caries.

Alginate-pectin co-encapsulation of dextransucrase and dextranase for oligosaccharide production from sucrose feedstocks.

The genes for dextransucrase and dextranase were cloned from the genomic regions of Leuconostoc mesenteroides MTCC 10508 and Streptococcus mutans MTCC 497, respectively. Heterologous expression of genes was performed in Escherichia coli. The purified enzyme fractions were entrapped in the alginate-pectin beads. A high immobilization yield of dextransucrase (~ 96%), and dextranase (~ 85%) was achieved. Alginate-pectin immobilization did not affect the optimum temperature and pH of the enzymes; rather, the thermal tolerance and storage stability of the enzymes was improved. The repetitive batch experiments suggested substantially good operational stability of the co-immobilized enzyme system. The synergistic catalytic reactions of alginate-pectin co-entrapped enzyme system were able to produce 7-10 g L-1 oligosaccharides of a high degree of polymerization (DP 3-9) from sucrose (~ 20 g L-1) containing feedstocks, e.g., table sugar and cane molasses. The alginate-pectin-based co-immobilized enzyme system is a useful catalytic tool to bioprocess the agro-industrial bio-resource for the production of prebiotic biomolecules.

A Membrane-Targeted Peptide Inhibiting PtxA of Phosphotransferase System Blocks Streptococcus mutans.

Streptococcus mutans, the primary cause of dental caries, takes up carbohydrates through the phosphoenolpyruvate sugar phosphotransferase system (PTS). This study aimed to identify a novel membrane-targeted antimicrobial peptide (AMP) that could also target the L-ascorbate-specific PtxA component of the S. mutans PTS system. C10-KKWW was identified and selected using virtual screening of a lipopeptide library, a minimum inhibiting concentration (MIC) assay, cytotoxicity assays and a hemolysis assay. Surface plasmon resonance confirmed that C10-KKWW had a high binding affinity for PtxA. Combining with scanning electron microscopy and cell permeability assay, it was shown that the effects of C10-KKWW could be attributed to both membrane and PtxA. Wild type (WT) S. mutans, a ptxA deletion mutant (ΔptxA), and a mutant-complemented strain (CptxA), were cultured consistently in brain heart infusion (BHI) medium, tryptone-vitamin medium supplemented with 15 mM L-ascorbate (TVL), or for 5 h in BHI supplemented with 7.4 mM sodium L-ascorbate. Compared to ∆ptxA, in WT S. mutans and CptxA, C10-KKWW had a stronger MIC (3.9 µg/mL), and distinctively decreased biofilm viability. The extracellular concentrations of L-ascorbate/sodium L-ascorbate were not changed before and after WT treated with C10-KKWW. L-ascorbate-induced operon genes, or other PTS genes, were significantly suppressed by C10-KKWW. In conclusion, C10-KKWW has been developed; it acts through interaction with the bacterial membrane and interferes with L-ascorbate translocation to inhibit S. mutans growth and eradicate its biofilm. C10-KKWW may be especially effective at optimal oral ascorbate levels. A combination of C10-KKWW with sodium L-ascorbate might also be a novel strategy for dental caries treatment.

The Lactococcus lactis KF147 nonribosomal peptide synthetase/polyketide synthase system confers resistance to oxidative stress during growth on plant leaf tissue lysate.

Strains of Lactococcus lactis isolated from plant tissues possess adaptations that support their survival and growth in plant-associated microbial habitats. We previously demonstrated that genes coding for a hybrid nonribosomal peptide synthetase/polyketide synthase (NRPS/PKS) system involved in production of an uncharacterized secondary metabolite are specifically induced in L. lactis KF147 during growth on plant tissues. Notably, this NRPS/PKS has only been identified in plant-isolated strains of L. lactis. Here, we show that the L. lactis KF147 NRPS/PKS genes have homologs in certain Streptococcus mutans isolates and the genetic organization of the NRPS/PKS locus is conserved among L. lactis strains. Using an L. lactis KF147 mutant deficient in synthesis of NrpC, a 4'-phosphopantetheinyl transferase, we found that the NRPS/PKS system improves L. lactis during growth under oxidative conditions in Arapidopsis thaliana leaf lysate. The NRPS/PKS system also improves tolerance of L. lactis to reactive oxygen species and specifically H2 O2 and superoxide radicals in culture medium. These findings indicate that this secondary metabolite provides a novel mechanism for reactive oxygen species detoxification not previously known for this species.

In silico search of inhibitors of Streptococcus mutans for the control of dental plaque.

Biofilm is an extremely complex microbial community arranged in a matrix of polysaccharides and attached to a substrate. Its development is crucial in the pathophysiology of oral infections like dental caries, as well as in periodontal, pulp, and periapical diseases. Streptococcus mutans is one of the most effective microorganisms in lactic acid production of the dental biofilm. Identifying essential Streptococcus mutans proteins using bioinformatics methods helps to search for alternative therapies. To this end, the bacterial genomes of several Streptococcus mutans strains and representative strains of other cariogenic and non-cariogenic bacteria were analysed by identifying pathogenicity islands and alignments with other bacteria, and by detecting the exclusive genes of cariogenic species in comparison to the non-pathogenic ones. This study used tools for orthology prediction such as BLAST and OrthoMCL, as well as the server IslandViewer for the detection of pathogenicity islands. In addition, the potential interactome of Streptococcus mutans was rebuilt by comparing it to interologues of other species phylogenetically close to or associated with cariogenicity. This protocol yielded a final list of 20 proteins related to potentially virulent factors that can be used as therapeutic targets in future analyses. The EIIA and EIIC enzymatic subunits of the phosphotransferase system (PTS) were prioritized, as well as the pyruvate kinase enzyme, which are directly involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and in obtaining the necessary energy for the microorganism's survival. These results will guide a subsequent experimental trial to develop new, safe, and effective molecules in the treatment of dental caries.

(1→3)-α-D-Glucan hydrolases in dental biofilm prevention and control: A review.

Dental plaque is a highly diverse biofilm, which has an important function in maintenance of oral and systemic health but in some conditions becomes a cause of oral diseases. In addition to mechanical plaque removal, current methods of dental plaque control involve the use of chemical agents against biofilm pathogens, which however, given the complexity of the oral microbiome, is not sufficiently effective. Hence, there is a need for development of new anti-biofilm approaches. Polysaccharides, especially (1→3),(1→6)-α-D-glucans, which are key structural and functional constituents of the biofilm matrix, seem to be a good target for future therapeutic strategies. In this review, we have focused on (1→3)-α-glucanases, which can limit the cariogenic properties of the dental plaque extracellular polysaccharides. These enzymes are not widely known and have not been exhaustively described in literature.

Sortase A inhibitory metabolites from the roots of Pulsatilla koreana.

Three new lignans (3, 4, and 6) along with eight known lignans and phenyl propanoids were isolated from the dried roots of Pulsatilla koreana, an oriental folk medicine. Based upon the results of combined spectroscopic and chemical methods, the structures of new compounds were determined to be lignan glycosides. Included among the known compounds are three compounds (5, 7, and 8) isolated first time from this plant as well as two compounds (2 and 11) previously reported only as synthetic derivatives. These compounds significantly inhibited the action of Sortase A from Streptococcus mutans OMZ65, an isolate from human oral cavity.

Inhibition of dextransucrase activity in Streptococcus mutans by plant phenolics.

Streptococcus mutans is responsible for causing dental caries in humans and utilizes sucrose for its growth. The dextransucrase (EC 2.4.1.5) is responsible for sucrose metabolism, which exhibits both hydrolytic and glucosyltransferase activities. In this study, we examined the effects of the plant phenols, namely gallic, tannic and syringic acids and aqueous extracts of certain traditionally used chewing sticks (Acacia arabica, Azadirachta indica, Pongamia pinnata and Salvadora persica) for prevention of dental caries on hydrolytic activity of dextransucrsae in S. mutans. Gallic acid (4-5 mM) produced 80-90% inhibition of the enzyme, while tannic acid (0.2 mM) and syringic acid (5 mM) inhibited the enzyme activity 80% and 48%, respectively in vitro. The aqueous extracts of chewing sticks produced 35-40% inhibition of dextransucrase activity at 5 mg phenol concentration. Kinetic analysis revealed mixed-type of enzyme inhibition by polyphenols, where both K(m) and V(max) were altered. The value of K(i) for tannic, gallic and syringic acids were 0.35, 1.6 and 1.94 mM, respectively. The enzyme inhibition by polyphenols was optimum at pH 7-7.5, while by plant extract was maximum at pH 5-6. These results suggest that plant polyphenols may find potential applications in the prevention and control of dental caries by inhibiting dextransucrase activity in S. mutans.

Influences of Dryopteris crassirhizoma extract on the viability, growth and virulence properties of Streptococcus mutans.

Dryopteris crassirhizoma is traditionally used as an herbal remedy for various diseases, and has been identified in a previous study as a potential anti-caries agent. In this study, the effect of a methanol extract of D. crassirhizoma on the viability, growth and virulence properties of Streptococcus mutans, a cariogenic dental pathogen, was investigated. In addition, the phytochemical composition of the extract was analyzed. The extract showed bactericidal and bacteriostatic activity against oral bacteria (MIC and MBC of S. mutans: 62.5 and 250 µg/mL, respectively). At two times the MBC, the extract significantly eliminated S. mutans up to 99.9% after 1 h incubation. The extract also dose-dependently reduced growth rates of S. mutans at sub-MIC levels. Furthermore, at sub-MIC levels, virulence properties (acid production, acid tolerance, glucosyltransferase activity and sucrose-dependent adherence) of S. mutans were also inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of mono and disaccharides (44.9%), fatty acids (12.3%) and sugar alcohols (6.8%) in the extract. These data indicate that the extract might be useful for the control of dental caries.

A novel metabolic pathway for glucose production mediated by α-glucosidase-catalyzed conversion of 1,5-anhydrofructose.

α-Glucosidase is in the glycoside hydrolase family 13 (13AG) and 31 (31AG). Only 31AGs can hydrate the D-glucal double bond to form α-2-deoxyglucose. Because 1,5-anhydrofructose (AF), having a 2-OH group, mimics the oxocarbenium ion transition state, AF may be a substrate for α-glucosidases. α-Glucosidase-catalyzed hydration produced α-glucose from AF, which plateaued with time. Combined reaction with α-1,4-glucan lyase and 13AG eliminated the plateau. Aspergillus niger α-glucosidase (31AG), which is stable in organic solvent, produced ethyl α-glucoside from AF in 80% ethanol. The findings indicate that α-glucosidases catalyze trans-addition. This is the first report of α-glucosidase-associated glucose formation from AF, possibly contributing to the salvage pathway of unutilized AF.

Tea catechin epigallocatechin gallate inhibits Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation by suppressing gtf genes.

OBJECTIVE: The anti-cariogenic properties of tea have been suggested for decades. Tea polyphenols, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), have been shown to inhibit dental plaque accumulation, but the exact mechanisms are not clear at present. We hypothesise that EGCG suppresses gtf genes in Streptococcus mutans at the transcriptional level disrupting the initial attachment of S. mutans and thus the formation of mature biofilms. DESIGN: In this study, the effect of EGCG on the sucrose-dependent initial attachment of S. mutans UA159 in a chemically defined medium was monitored over 4 h using a chamber slide model. The effects of EGCG on the aggregation and gtf B, C, D gene expression of S. mutans UA159 were also examined. RESULTS: It was found that EGCG (7.8-31.25 µg/ml) exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of the initial attachment of S. mutans UA159. EGCG did not induce cellular aggregation of S. mutans UA159 at concentrations less than 78.125 µg/ml. Analysis of data obtained from real-time PCR showed that EGCG at sub-MIC level (15.6 µg/ml) significantly suppressed the gtf B, C, D genes of S. mutans UA159 compared with the non-treated control (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that EGCG may represent a novel, natural anti-plaque agent that inhibits the specific genes associated with bacterial biofilm formation without necessarily affecting the growth of oral bacteria.

Antimicrobial traits of tea- and cranberry-derived polyphenols against Streptococcus mutans.

There are over 750 species of bacteria that inhabit the human oral cavity, but only a small fraction of those are attributed to causing plaque-related diseases such as caries. Streptococcus mutans is accepted as the main cariogenic agent and there is substantial knowledge regarding the specific virulence factors that render the organism a pathogen. There has been rising interest in alternative, target-specific treatment options as opposed to nonspecific mechanical plaque removal or application of broad-spectrum antibacterials that are currently in use. The impact of diet on oral health is undeniable, and this is directly observable in populations that consume high quantities of polyphenol-rich foods or beverages. Such populations have low caries incidence and better overall oral health. Camellia sinensis, the plant from which various forms of tea are derived, and Vaccinium macrocarpon (American cranberry fruit) have received notable attention both for their prevalence in the human diet as well as for their unique composition of polyphenols. The biologically active constituents of these plants have demonstrated potent enzyme-inhibitory properties without being bactericidal, a key quality that is important in developing therapies that will not cause microorganisms to develop resistance. The aim of this review is to consider studies that have investigated the feasibility of tea, cranberry, and other select plant derivatives as a potential basis for alternative therapeutic agents against Streptococcus mutans and to evaluate their current and future clinical relevance.

Effect of garlic on bacterial biofilm formation on orthodontic wire.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of garlic extract on the biofilm formation by Streptococcus mutans on orthodontic wire and on glucosyltransferase gene expression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Growth inhibition of oral bacteria was tested after 50 µL of garlic extract was placed on an agar plate. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of garlic extract on S mutans growth was first determined. After cultivating streptococci in biofilm medium (BM)-sucrose with garlic extract and orthodontic wire, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) measurement and viable cell counting was performed from the bacteria attached on the wire. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of morphology was observed on bacterial cells attached to orthodontic wire. The effect of garlic extract on gene expression was evaluated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of glucosyltransferase. RESULTS: Though garlic extract had a clear antibacterial effect on all microorganisms, it also enhanced S mutans attachment on orthodontic wire. Low concentration of garlic extract also increased glucosyltransferase gene expression of S mutans. CONCLUSIONS: Despite its antibacterial function, garlic extract increases biofilm formation by S mutans to orthodontic wire, likely through upregulation of glucosyltransferase expression. Garlic extract may thus play an important role in increased bacterial attachment to orthodontic wires.

Antimicrobial actions of α-mangostin against oral streptococci.

The increasing prevalence of dental caries is making it more of a major world health problem. Caries is the direct result of acid production by cariogenic oral bacteria, especially Streptococcus mutans. New and better antimicrobial agents active against cariogenic bacteria are badly needed, especially natural agents derived directly from plants. We have evaluated the inhibitory actions of α-mangostin, a xanthone purified from ethanolic extracts of the tropical plant Garcinia mangostana L., by repeated silica gel chromatography. α-Mangostin was found to be a potent inhibitor of acid production by S. mutans UA159, active against membrane enzymes, including the F(H+)-ATPase and the phosphoenolpyruvate - sugar phosphotransferase system. α-Mangostin also inhibited the glycolytic enzymes aldolase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and lactic dehydrogenase. Glycolysis by intact cells in suspensions or biofilms was inhibited by α-mangostin at concentrations of 12 and 120 µmol·L⁻¹, respectively, in a pH-dependent manner, with greater potency at lower pH values. Other targets for inhibition by α-mangostin included (i) malolactic fermentation, involved in alkali production from malate, and (ii) NADH oxidase, the major respiratory enzyme for S. mutans. The overall conclusion is that α-mangostin is a multitarget inhibitor of mutans streptococci and may be useful as an anticaries agent.

Plant polyphenols and their anti-cariogenic properties: a review.

Polyphenols constitute one of the most common groups of substances in plants. Polyphenolic compounds have been reported to have a wide range of biological activities, many of which are related to their conventional antioxidant action; however, increasing scientific knowledge has highlighted their potential activity in preventing oral disease, including the prevention of tooth decay. The aim of this review is to show the emerging findings on the anti-cariogenic properties of polyphenols, which have been obtained from several in vitro studies investigating the effects of these bioactive molecules against Streptococcus mutans, as well as in vivo studies. The analysis of the literature supports the anti-bacterial role of polyphenols on cariogenic streptococci, suggesting (1) a direct effect against S. mutans; (2) an interaction with microbial membrane proteins inhibiting the adherence of bacterial cells to the tooth surface; and (3) the inhibition of glucosyl transferase and amylase. However, more studies, particularly in vivo and in situ, are necessary to establish conclusive evidence for the effectiveness and the clinical applications of these compounds in the prevention of dental caries. It is essential to better determine the nature and distribution of these compounds in our diet and to identify which of the hundreds of existing polyphenols are likely to provide the greatest effects.

The tea catechin epigallocatechin gallate suppresses cariogenic virulence factors of Streptococcus mutans.

Streptococcus mutans, the primary etiologic agent of dental caries, possesses a series of virulence factors associated with its cariogenicity. Alternatives to traditional antimicrobial treatment, agents selectively inhibiting the virulence factors without necessarily suppressing the resident oral species, are promising. The anticariogenic properties of tea have been suggested in experimental animals and humans. Tea polyphenols, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), have been shown to inhibit the growth and glucosyltransferases activity of S. mutans. However, their effects on biofilm and cariogenic virulence factors of oral streptococci other than glucosyltransferases have not been well documented. In this study, we investigated the biological effect of EGCg on the virulence factors of S. mutans associated with its acidogenicity and acidurity. The antimicrobial effects of EGCg on S. mutans biofilm grown in chemically defined medium were also examined. EGCg inhibited growth of S. mutans planktonic cells at an MIC of 31.25 µg/ml and a minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 62.5 µg/ml. EGCg also inhibited S. mutans biofilm formation at 15.6 µg/ml (minimum concentration that showed at least 90% inhibition of biofilm formation) and reduced viability of the preformed biofilm at 625 µg/ml (sessile MIC80). EGCg at sub-MIC levels inhibited acidogenicity and acidurity of S. mutans cells. Analysis of the data obtained from real-time PCR showed that EGCg significantly suppressed the ldh, eno, atpD, and aguD genes of S. mutans UA159. Inhibition of the enzymatic activity of F1F0-ATPase and lactate dehydrogenase was also noted (50% inhibitory concentration between 15.6 and 31.25 µg/ml). These findings suggest that EGCg is a natural anticariogenic agent in that it exhibits antimicrobial activity against S. mutans and suppresses the specific virulence factors associated with its cariogenicity.

[Effects of lemon peel extracts on lactate dehydrogenase and sucrase activity of Streptococcus mutans].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of lemon peel extracts (LPE) on the activity of lactate dehydrogenase and sucrase of Streptococcus mutans (Sm). METHODS: After serial dilution with trypticase soy broth (TSB) medium containing 2% glucose, LPE was used as the experimental group, and TSB without LPE as the control group. Sm was added to each group, which was then cultured for 6, 18, 24 and 48 hours in the anaerobic tank. The activity of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) was measured with the method of oxidation of reduction coenzymeIand the pH value of the culture solution was also detected. The activity of the sucrose was determined with the method of coloration of 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid. RESULTS: The activity of LDH, sucrase and the changes of solution pH were decreased with the increase of the concentration of LPE (P < 0.01). The activity of LDH were declined from (0.8025 ± 0.0913) × 10(3) U/L to (0.2099 ± 0.0283) × 10(3) U/L; the activity of sucrase were declined from (-0.0107 ± 0.0003) × 10(3) U/L to (-0.0078 ± 0.0002) × 10(3) U/L; the ΔpH were declined from (2.8067 ± 0.0404) to (2.5033 ± 0.0416) (24 h results). The differences were significant between experimental groups and the control group (P < 0.01), and there were also significant differences among experimental groups with different LPE concentration (P < 0.01). The inhibitory effect of acid generation and lactate dehydrogenas' activity of Sm were positively correlated (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: LPE can inhibit the activity of lactate dehydrogenase, sucrase and the acid production capacity of the Sm in a dose dependent manner. The inhibitory effects in logarithmic phase is stronger than that in other phases of growth cycle.

Effects of a bio-assay guided fraction from Polygonum cuspidatum root on the viability, acid production and glucosyltranferase of mutans streptococci.

Polygonum cuspidatum root has been traditionally used for the treatment of dental diseases in Korea. The purpose of this study was to evaluate effects of P. cuspidatum root on the development of dental caries, especially its effects against bacterial viability and caries-inducing factors of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus. Among methanol extract of P. cuspidatum root and its fraction tested, ethyl acetate fraction, composed of polydatin, resveratrol, anthraglycoside B, and emodin, showed inhibitory effects on glycolytic acid production and glucosyltransferase activity of S. mutans and S. sobrinus in addition to antibacterial activities.