ABSTRACT

Streptococci, Lactobacillus, and fungi take a significant role in caries development. It confirms the importance of controlling these microorganisms to prevent dental caries. Chemical methods are used to prevent plaque accumulation in addition to physical methods, which include the use of chemical mouthwashes like chlorhexidine. Chemicals, while beneficial, have many side effects. This study aimed to find the herbal compounds having fewer side effects. Three monoterpenes, menthol, limonene, and camphor in plants that have been shown to have an antibacterial effect have been prepared and by sensitization drug in 96-well plates exposed to Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus sobrinus, Lactobacillus casei, and several Candida spp.. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were identified. The menthol had the best inhibitory effect on yeast growth (MIC = 0.5-1 µg/ml), and the limonene composition had the lowest fungicidal concentration against Candida spp. (MFC = 1.9 µg/ml). Menthol at a concentration of 128 μg/mL had no bactericidal effect while it killed Lactobacillus. Strep.salivarius were killed at a concentration of 128 μg/ml of limonene. At the same concentration of camphor, Strep.mutans were killed. Monoterpenes exhibited great antimicrobial activity, which can use in mouthwashes formulation.

Keywords: Monoterpenes, Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, Anti-Bacterial Compounds, Limonene, Menthol