Antibacterial Activity in vitro of Eugenia uniflora L. (pitanga) against Cariogenic Bacteria

Abstract

Objective: To verify the antibacterial activity in vitro of Eugenia uniflora L. (pitanga) against cariogenic bacteria. Material and Methods: It was evaluated: (A) Ethanol extract of the mature fruit, (B) Ethanol extract of the green fruit, (C) liquid extract of the cool leaf, (D) essential oil of the cool leaf and (E) 0,2% of chlorexidine solution (positive control). It was used strain of Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175), Streptococcus sanguis (ATCC 15300), Streptococcus salivarius (ATCC 7073), Streptococcus mitis (ATCC 903), Streptococcus oralis (ATCC 10557). It was determined Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) in solid medium Müeller Hinton Ágar (DIFCO®), for the technique of the wells in the concentrations of 10% and its dilutions of 1:1 until 1:32. Results: The MIC found for A, B and C were, respectively, 2.5%, 5% and 2.5% for S. mutans; 0.3125%, 5% and 0.15625%, for S. sanguis; 10%, 10% and 5%, for S. mitis; 2.5%, 5% and 5%, for S. salivarius; 0.15625%, 0.625% and 0.15625%, for S. oralis. The data gotten for the essential oil of the leaf of Eugenia uniflora L. didn’t demonstrate antibacterial activity. Conclusions: the Ethanol extracts produced from the green and mature fruits, as well as of liquid extract of the cool leaf of pitanga presented antibacterial activity on the strain plaque bacteria former tested; the essential oil of the leaf of pitanga didn’t present antibacterial activity in concentrations equal and smaller than 10%; liquid extract of the cool leaf of pitanga was the extration form that got greaters values of MIC; the S. oralis was the bacteria most sensitive, while the S. mitis showed to be the most resistant. Bacteria. Phytotherapy. Dental plaque.