Oral spray containing plant-derived compounds is effective against common oral pathogens

Arch Oral Biol. 2018 Jun:90:80-85. doi: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2018.03.002. Epub 2018 Mar 6.

Abstract

Objectives: Plant-derived compounds are a good source of therapeutic agents and inhibitors of inflammatory process. Dental caries, periodontal diseases and candidiasis are common oral infections caused by virulent biofilms. The objectives of this study were to develop oral spray containing plant-derived compounds; α-mangostin (α-MG) and/or lawsone methyl ether (2-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone) (LME) and determine its antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, and anti-inflammatory activities.

Design: Oral spray formulations were prepared containing α-MG (5 mg/ml) and/or LME (250 μg/ml). Antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans, Streptococcus mutans, and Porphyromonas gingivalis and anti-biofilm formation activities were determined as well as cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory effects.

Results: The oral spray demonstrated antimicrobial activity against all three of the oral pathogens tested with stronger effects on C. albicans and S. mutans than P. gingivalis. The formulation containing α-MG (2.5 mg/ml) and LME (125 ug/ml) reduced growth of the microorganisms about 1-2 Log CFU/ml at 1-3 h and the killing effects were complete at 24 h. Based on biofilm assay, the oral spray containing both α-MG and LME showed greater inhibitory effects than those with α-MG or LME. In addition, the oral spray containing both α-MG and LME demonstrated more inhibition of nitric oxide production than α-MG alone. All the formulations were safe and demonstrated greater anti-inflammatory activity at lower concentration (<6.25 μg/ml) than at a higher concentration.

Conclusion: Oral spray containing α-MG and/or LME is effective against common oral pathogens without significant cytotoxicity. Thus, it has the potential to prevent the infections and may serve as adjunctive treatment to conventional therapy.

Keywords: Anti-inflammation; Antimicrobial activity; Candidiasis; Dental caries; Oral spray; Periodontitis.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Infective Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology
  • Biofilms / drug effects
  • Candida albicans / drug effects
  • Candida albicans / growth & development
  • Candidiasis / drug therapy
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Colony Count, Microbial
  • Dental Caries / drug therapy
  • Mice
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Naphthoquinones / pharmacology*
  • Naphthoquinones / therapeutic use
  • Nitric Oxide / metabolism
  • Oral Sprays*
  • Periodontal Diseases / drug therapy
  • Phytochemicals / pharmacology*
  • Phytochemicals / therapeutic use
  • Plant Exudates / pharmacology*
  • Plant Exudates / therapeutic use
  • Porphyromonas gingivalis / drug effects
  • Porphyromonas gingivalis / growth & development
  • RAW 264.7 Cells / drug effects
  • Streptococcus mutans / drug effects
  • Streptococcus mutans / growth & development
  • Thailand
  • Xanthones / pharmacology*
  • Xanthones / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Naphthoquinones
  • Oral Sprays
  • Phytochemicals
  • Plant Exudates
  • Xanthones
  • 2-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone
  • Nitric Oxide
  • mangostin