ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECT OF CYMBOPOGON CITRATUS ESSENTIAL OIL ON DENTAL BIOFILM-FORMING BACTERIA

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil on dental biofilm-forming bacteria: Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175), S. salivarius (ATCC7073) and S. oralis (ATCC1055). Material and Methods: The antibacterial activity was determined by Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) through the microdilution technique. In 96-well microplates, it was added 100 ìL of Brain Heart Infusion Broth doubly concentrated, 100 ìL of the essential oil dilution and 10 ìL of bacterial inoculum (1.5 x 108 microorganisms / mL). Serial dilution of the product was performed ranging from an initial concentration of 8% until 0.0625%. The MIC was considered as the lowest dilution in which it was verified absence of visible bacterial growth. Tests were conducted in triplicate, and Chlorhexidine (2%) was used as control. Results: A better performance of Cymbopogon citratus was observed upon S. mutans (ATCC25175), showing MIC of 0.5626 mg / mL, whereas on S. salivarius (ATCC7073) and S. oralis (ATCC1055) results indicated similar antimicrobial activity (2.25 mg / mL). Conclusion: Cymbopogon citratus essential oil was found to present antibacterial activity on the dental biofilm-forming bacteria assayed, especially upon Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175). DESCRIPTORES: Phytotherapy. Anti-bacterial Agents. Oils, Volatile. Dental Plaque.