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Abstract

The role of S. mutans in the pathogenesis of dental caries among human populations is well established. To prevent and control the disease, it is imperative to look for new, safe and effective compounds. In this study, we have investigated the effect of naturally occurring polyphenols viz., Gallic, tannic, syringic acids and catechins on certain cariogenic activities of S. mutans. The polyphenols inhibited the activities of dextran sucrase (44-89%) and glycosylt ransferase (27-36%), key enzymes of sucrose metabolism in S. mutans. The growth of S. mutans was also impaired by polyphenols in vitro, which yielded MIC of the order of 136 (gallic acid), 50.5 (tannic acid) and 510 (Syringic acid) �¼g/ml, respectively. The polyphenols reduced biofilm formation, hydrophobicity and acid production by the organism under in vitro conditions. Tannic and Gallic acids were more effective in inhibiting the bacterial growth compared to syringic acid or catechins. Flourescence microscopy revealed that in the absence of polyphenols, the cells were present as clumps however; they were well separated in presence of gallic acid (68 �¼g per ml) or tannic acid (25.5 �¼g/ml), due to the inhibition of biofilm formation. The present data suggests cariostatic action of Gallic, syringic and tannic acids in S. mutans which may have potential use in the prevention and cure of dental caries.

Biography

Dimple Goyal has completed her Master’s in Biochemistry from Panjab University. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Biochemistry on topic entitled as “Studies on the interaction of plant polyphenols with dextransucrase activity in Streptococcus mutans: Anticariogenic perspective”. She has published two publications in international peer review journals. She is the recipient of Research Fellowship from University Grants Commission, New Delhi.

Email: goyaldimple87@gmail.com