Development of Toothpaste Containing Morus alba Stem Extract and Its Antimicrobial Activity Against Oral Pathogens

Oxyresveratrol has been reported to combat the microorganisms that lead to gingival inflammation and tooth decay. The previous study found that Morus alba stems contained a high amount of oxyresveratrol compared to other parts of the tree. Therefore, the objectives of this research were to develop a toothpaste containing M. alba stem extract (MSE) and to evaluate its antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens. The ethanolic extract was first prepared, and its oxyresveratrol content was analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Various toothpastes containing MSE were developed and characterized for the required characteristics. The toothpastes that satisfied the requirements were then chosen and subjected to a stability test. Lastly, the effectiveness of MSE and the most stable toothpaste in suppressing oral pathogens was assessed. Analysis of the MSE showed that oxyresveratrol was present at 8.74% by weight. The toothpaste containing 0.25% MSE was successfully developed. It showed good physical and chemical characteristics: the desired color, odor, and taste, with the right quantity of foam, a pH in the range of 5.5–10.5, and did not exhibit phase separation. Stability testing showed that it retained the required characteristics. MSE inhibited Porphyromonas gingivalis more effectively than Streptococcus mutans. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of MSE against P. gingivalis and S. mutans were 62.50 µg/mL and 4 mg/mL, whereas the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were 125 µg/mL and 4 mg/mL. The toothpaste containing MSE effectively inhibited the growth of P. gingivalis and S. mutans, the causes of periodontitis and tooth decay.