Investigation of cytotoxicity and oral antibacterial effects of four biomaterials/herbal formulations

A bacteria-based infection can cause both dental caries and periodontal disease. In this study, the antibacterial, antifungal, and cytotoxic properties of four herbal formulations (salt, propolis, Arctium lappa (A. lappa) (root parts); Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) (dried aerial parts); and Echinacea purpurea (E. purpurea) (root parts)) were investigated. Elements and minerals were defined in salt samples using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. All alcoholic extracts were analyzed for total flavonoid and phenol content. Several methods were used to characterize extracts and formulations, including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis). Human gingival fibroblasts were evaluated for their cytotoxic effects by MTT assay. This study evaluated the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties of four herbal formulations. Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) was examined for expression levels of gtfB and gtfC genes. According to the XRD results, the highest mineral elements were K, Mg, S, Ca, P, and As. Propolis and Z. multiflora contain the highest levels of flavonoids and phenolics. According to GC/MS results, the most significant amount of carvacrol was found in Z. multiflora oil extract. Antioxidant capacity was highest in propolis/Z. multiflora extracts with the most potent bactericidal activity. Regarding antimicrobial activity, anti-biofilm, and degradation formation, formulation 1 displayed the highest results. For formulations 1, 3, and 4, the percentage of cell viability ranged from 50 to 65%. The expression of gtfB and gtfC was significantly reduced by chlorhexidine 0.2% and formulations 1 and 2. In conclusion, formulations 1 and 2 had the lowest cytotoxic and could significantly inhibit cariogenic bacteria and Candida albicans growth. There is potential for these formulations to be used as mouthwashes.