Antimicrobial properties of green tea extract against cariogenic microflora: an in vivo study

J Med Food. 2011 Sep;14(9):907-11. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2010.0196. Epub 2011 May 25.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to test in vivo the effectiveness of an experimental green tea extract in reducing levels of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli in saliva by means of selective culture medium. Sixty-six healthy patients ranging in age from 12 to 18 years were recruited and randomly divided into two groups: Group A (n=33) and group B (n=33). Group A subjects were asked to rinse their mouths with 40 mL of an experimental green tea extract, for 1 minute, three times a day for a week, whereas Group B subjects were asked to rinse with 40 mL of a placebo mouth rinse. Saliva samples were obtained at baseline, 4 days, and 7 days. The counts of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli were investigated by chair-side kits. Data were statistically processed. A regression binary logistic analysis was done. The statistical significance level was established at P<.05. The experimental group showed a statistically significant reduction in colony counts of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli relative to the control group. These findings showed the efficacy of a green tea extract against cariogenic oral flora, opening a promising avenue of clinical applications in the preparation of specific and natural anticariogenic remedies.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Camellia sinensis / chemistry
  • Cariostatic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Colony Count, Microbial
  • Dental Caries / microbiology
  • Dental Caries / prevention & control*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Lactobacillus / drug effects*
  • Lactobacillus / isolation & purification
  • Male
  • Mouthwashes
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use*
  • Plant Leaves / chemistry
  • Polyphenols / therapeutic use
  • Saliva / microbiology
  • Streptococcus mutans / drug effects*
  • Streptococcus mutans / isolation & purification
  • Tea / chemistry*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Cariostatic Agents
  • Mouthwashes
  • Plant Extracts
  • Polyphenols
  • Tea