Open AccessAntimicrobial properties of coconut husk aqueous extract on cariogenic bacteria
Author(s) -
Maria B Cyriac,
Vidya Pai,
Manjula Shantaram,
Maji Jose
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
archives of medicine and health sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2321-6085
pISSN - 2321-4848
DOI - 10.4103/2321-4848.123024
Subject(s) - husk , antimicrobial , streptococcus mutans , cocos nucifera , streptococcus mitis , streptococcus salivarius , lactobacillus acidophilus , food science , chlorhexidine , agar diffusion test , traditional medicine , medicine , bacteria , microbiology and biotechnology , antibacterial activity , streptococcus , dentistry , chemistry , biology , botany , probiotic , genetics
Background and Objectives: The husk fibers of coconut (Cocos nucifera) are reported to be used by people of rural areas of South India for daily cleaning their teeth. As the beneficial effects of this plant material, with respect to antimicrobial properties against common cariogenic bacteria, are not scientifically proven, the present study was conducted. Materials and Methods: The husk of coconut was collected and aqueous extract was prepared and antimicrobial properties against common oral pathogens like Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus mitis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus were performed by agar well diffusion method. The values obtained were then subjected to statistical analysis using one way ANOVA and Tukey HSD. Results: Aqueous extract of coconut husk showed a concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity against different tested organisms with zone of inhibition ranging from 4.44 to 15.33 mms. However, the efficacy was less in comparison to chlorhexidine. Conclusion: Inhibitory action against cariogenic bacteria exhibited by aqueous extract of coconut husk indicate presence of highly effective active compounds in these extracts, which can be identified and incorporated into modern oral care systems for controlling dental caries