Anti-Streptococcus Mutans Activity of Uvaria Chamae P. Beauv., and its Anticariogenicity

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Streptococcus mutans a key pathogen, produces biofilm, acids and extracellular polysaccharides in the oral cavity; which leads to the development of dental caries. Control of these pathogenic markers can prevent dental caries. Uvaria chamae P. Beauv. is a medicinal plant traditionally used for many ailments including oral infections. Aim of the study: This study investigated the phytochemical constituents, anti-S. mutans and anticariogenic effect of U. chamae root extract.Materials and methods: Extracts were prepared and phytochemical analysis was performed. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined, and MIC and sub-MIC concentrations of the best solvent were selected for their effect on the virulence factors of S. mutans. The results were analysed using one-way ANOVA and Wilcoxon Rank Sum Tests.Results: The dichloromethane extract, with proanthocyanidin as a major chemical constituent, produced an MIC of 0.02 mg/ml.  At 6 hours, exposure to 0.005, 0.01, and 0.02 mg/ml extract significantly reduced biofilm formation by 39, 59, and 77 % respectively (p<0.05). Uvaria chamae also significantly inhibited acid production in S. mutans at 10, 12, 14 and 16 hours (p<0.05). At ½ MIC, the plant extract caused remarkable downregulation of the virulence genes responsible for biofilm formation, extracellular polysaccharide synthesis and acid production.Conclusions: This suggests that U. chamae extract may potentially be used to inhibit the proliferation of S. mutans and silencing the expression of pathology-related genes, which will prevent the development of dental caries.