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- Title
Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of saffron stigma on oral pathogenic microbes (Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus, Candida albicans).
- Authors
Ajami, Behjatol Molok; Hosseinzade, Hossein; Fazlibazaz, Bibi Sedighe; Velayatipour, Hoda
- Abstract
Objectives: Due to the growing prevalence of dental caries in the public, it seems appropriate to pay careful attention to prevention and treatment methods. Microbes, especially Streptococcus mutans, have an important role in initiating dental caries, which are followed by increased lactobacilli and fungi populations. Using antimicrobial agents, antibiotics, and commercial antimicrobial mouthwashes is effective, yet has complications. Therefore, using an herbal medicine with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and no side effects seems reasonable. Since saffron is a native herb and easy to find, we decided to evaluate effects of its aqueous and alcoholic extracts on oral microbes. Materials and Methods: Six first-grade boys without a history of systemic diseases were selected from an elementary school; dental plaque was sampled to investigate Streptococcus mutans, saliva was sampled to assess Candida albicans, and depths of dental caries were sampled to reach Lactobacilli. Samples were sent to the lab in less than an hour; subsequently separation phases were performed through successive dilutions. Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of saffron were obtained. One standard antimicrobial and antifungal antibiotic was also evaluated in order to compare its effects with the effects of aqueous and alcoholic extracts. The analysis method of this study was mean ± average standard error. Unpaired t-test with Welch's correction was used to compare the two groups. p<1.15 was considered as significant difference. Results: The results of this study showed that aqueous and alcoholic extracts have inhibiting and killing effects on all three microbes. Even though their efficacy was less than standard antimicrobial and antifungal antibiotics in the studied densities, it may be possible to suggest them as a kind of mouthwash due to fewer side effects and anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that saffron, either in the form of an alcoholic extract or an aqueous one, has bacteriostatic effects on Streptococcus mutans and lactobacillus and fungicidal effects on Candida albicans.
- Publication
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine, 2015, Vol 5, p7
- ISSN
2228-7930
- Publication type
Academic Journal