Evaluation of antibacterial potential of Pithecellobium dulce against Streptococcus mutans

Introduction: Pithecellobium dulce is used as traditional medicine. It is being utilized as an antibacterial agent against various oral diseases. Streptococcus Mutans is the major causative bacteria for dental caries. This study aims to evaluate the antibacterial potential of Pithecellobium Dulce on Streptococcus Mutans.Aim: This study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Pithecellobium Dulce against Streptococcus Mutans.Methodology: The minimum inhibitory concentration of Streptococcus mutans was evaluated by the microdilution method utilizing spectrophotometer. The Pithecellobium dulce extract was tested with 25 mu l, 50 mu l, 100 mu l concentration, standard and positive control at different time intervals 1hr, 2hr, 3hr, and 4 hr. The minimum bactericidal concentration was evaluated by the agar plate diffusion method at 25 mu l, 50 mu l and 100 mu l concentrations and no colonies were counted.Results: The growth of Streptococcus Mutans bacteria was inhibited and at each concentration (25 mu l, 50 mu l and 100 mu l) of the extracts showed significant inhibition in comparison to the positive control. The minimum bactericidal concentration was tested and at 100 mu l concentration minimum bacterial count was obtained.Conclusion: The findings suggest that Pithecellobium dulce extract has potential to be used as an alternative to antimicrobial agent against Streptococcus mutans.Clinical significance: Antibiotics have been known to cause side effects such as premature death, antibiotic resistance, weakened immune system, and allergy. Hence, there is a need to develop new antibiotics from natural sources