Antimicrobial Properties of Bridelia Scandens against Oral Pathogens: In vitro study

Objective: It has been well documented that traditional medicinal plants confer considerable antimicrobial activity against various microorganisms. Species of the genus Bridelia scandens is reported to be used traditionally for treating various oral diseases. Its effect against intestinal and other systemic pathogens have been reported However the beneficial effects of this plant materials against oral pathogens is not evaluated. Therefore we have done the present investigation. Aim is to study the antimicrobial properties of alcoholic and aqueous extract of Bridelia scandens against selected oral pathogens by various microbiological assays. Methods: The leaves after identification and authentication by a Botanist were collected, air dried, pulverized to fine powder using household blender. The water extract was prepared using cold percolation method and alcoholic extract was prepared in Soxhlet apparatus by using ethyl alcohol. The test organisms like Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus salivarius Lactobacillus acidophilus and Candida albicans were obtained from Department of Microbiology Yenepoya Medical College, Mangalore. Antimicrobial activity is being determined by various Microbial assays like Kirby Bauer antibiotic sensitivity testing, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) Results: From our study, it was found that all tested organisms were sensitive to both water and alcoholic extract of leaves of Bridelia scandens at varying concentrations.( 200 mg/ml and 400 mg/ml ) with zone of inhibition ranging from 20 mm to 48 mm .Even the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration ( MIC ) was less than 100 mg/ml in most of the organism indicating that extract of leaves of Bridelia scandens is most effective against the oral pathogens. The alcoholic extract is better than aqueous extract. Conclusions: The extract of leaves of Bridelia scandens is highly effective against selected oral pathogens