Application of mangrove (Bruguiera gymnorrhyza) leaves’ extract on chewing gum as an inhibitory agent against dental caries causing bacteria

Abstract

Mangrove Bruguiera gymnorrhyza contains bioactive compounds, such as tannin, saponin, and flavonoid. These are antimicrobial properties and have the potential to inhibit dental caries causing bacteria. Chewing gum incorporated with xylitol could inhibit plaque accumulation and demineralization at the early stages of dental caries and reduce the number of Streptococcus mutans in the mouth. This research was aimed to determine the inhibition power of B. gymnorrhyza leaves extract and its application on chewing gum towards Steptococcus mutans and Streptococcus viridans. The method used was experimental, consisting of the first stage with the treatment of different extract concentrations (5 mg/mL, 10 mg/mL, 15 mg/mL, 20 mg/mL, 25 mg/mL) and a second stage with the treatment of different extract concentration in the chewing gum (2 MIC, 3 MIC, 4 MIC, and 5 MIC). Results showed that B. gymnorrhyza leaves extract can be categorized as a strong inhibitor against dental caries causing bacteria with MIC value of 1.62 mg/mL towards Steptococcus mutans and 1.35 mg/mL towards Streptococcus viridans. The application of B. gymnorrhyza leaves extract at 3 MIC in chewing gum produced the most preferred chewing gum and has strong inhibitory activity against dental caries causing bacteria with inhibition diameter of 10.26 mm towards Steptococcus mutans and inhibition diameter of 12.51 mm towards Streptococcus viridans. It is also very safe to consume with an LC50 value of 10502 mg/mL.