Dental infection is being considered as one of the six most widespread non-communicable diseases throughout the world. Berberis aquifolium have shown positive antimicrobial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory actions in several microbial studies. So, this study was conducted to determine the antimicrobial efficacy of B. aquifolium against dental biofilm forming Streptococcus mutans and common oral pathogens.
The dental caries samples were collected from 5 patients of age group 7-35yrs from Kottayam Dist., Kerala, under aseptic condition. All the collected plate samples were cultured on nutrient, blood and Mitis Salivary Agar plates and colonies were counted. Microbial species were identified on the basis of morphological and biochemical studies. Microbiological assay (agar well diffusion method and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) to determine inhibition zone against oral pathogens were performed. Thus this study concluded that the ethanolic extracts of B. aquifolium showed significant MIC against S. mutans, Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa compared to that of standard drug.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1. Objective of the Study
2. Review of Literature
2.1 Teeth and its structure
2.2 Pathogenicity of dental infection
2.3 Dental caries
2.4 Microbial etiology of caries
2.5 Treatment of caries
3. Materials and Methods
3.1 Chemicals
3.2 Preparation of powdered form of Homeopathic mother tinctures (HMT)
3.3 Collection of dental caries samples
3.4 Isolation and screening of bacteria
3.5 Morphological and biochemical identification of isolates
3.6 Identification of Streptococcal Isolates
3.7 Physical characterization
3.8 Biochemical characterization
3.9 Anti‐microbial screening of extracts
3.10 MIC determination
4. Results
4.1. Isolation of bacteria from plaque samples based on their colony morphology
4.2. Biochemical identification of Colony 2
4.3. Biochemical identification of Colony 8
4.4. Biochemical identification of Colony 9
4.5. Identification of Colony 1 (budding Yeast cells) by Germ tube assay
4.6. Screening of DMSO (Negative control) and standard drugs (Positive control)
4.7. Inhibitory effects of B. aquifolium against dental biofilm producers and normal dental
4.8. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of B. aquifolium against dental pathogens
5. Discussion
6. Summary and Conclusion
Objectives and Scope of the Research
This study aims to scientifically validate the antimicrobial efficacy of the homeopathic mother tincture of Berberis aquifolium against common dental pathogens and biofilm-forming bacteria found in dental plaque. By isolating specific pathogens from human samples and comparing the inhibitory effects of B. aquifolium extracts against conventional antibiotics, the research seeks to explore alternative, natural treatment strategies for dental infections that may minimize the adverse side effects associated with synthetic drugs.
- Isolation and identification of bacterial and fungal species from dental plaque samples of human volunteers.
- Morphological and biochemical characterization of isolated dental pathogens up to the species level.
- Evaluation of the inhibitory effects of B. aquifolium using agar well diffusion and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) methods.
- Comparison of the antimicrobial potency of homeopathic B. aquifolium against standard pharmacological treatments.
Excerpt from the Book
2.4 Microbial etiology of caries
The etiology of dental decay disease is multifactorial. Dental caries will not occur if the oral cavity is free of pathogenic biofilm producing bacteria. The surface of teeth is covered by yellowish coloured material called dental plaque which harbors biofilm producing bacteria. According to acidogenic theory (Miller's chemo-parasitic theory), “Dental decay or dental infection is a chemico-parasitic process. Decalcification of enamel and decalcification of dentin are the two stages of tooth decay, followed by dissolution of softened residue. Primary decalcification is emerged by the action of acids produced from the fermentation of starch and sugars” (Malvin, 2002).
The commonly found dental pathogens are S. mutans, Veillonella spp., Actinomyces spp and Lactobacillus spp. These bacteria can be transferred from one generation to other by means of mother to child. These bacteria over dominate normal oral flora and thereby producing tooth decay. Dental pathogens utilize the waste material produced by the metabolic reactions in oral regions and produce acids which leads to pH alteration in oral cavity; this will trigger mineralization of tooth. Primary dental decay is always characterized by severe dental pain, swelling and finally to headache (Khushbu & Satyam, 2016).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter highlights the rising challenge of oral diseases and dental caries globally, emphasizing the need for safer alternatives to conventional antibiotics due to potential side effects like tooth staining and antibiotic resistance.
2. Review of Literature: Provides a theoretical background on tooth structure, the pathophysiology of dental infections, microbial etiology of dental caries, and the therapeutic potential of Berberis aquifolium.
3. Materials and Methods: Details the experimental procedures including the collection of dental plaque samples, isolation and identification of microbial species, and the standardized protocols for assessing antimicrobial activity and MIC.
4. Results: Presents the findings regarding the isolation of bacterial/yeast colonies, their biochemical characterization, and the quantitative results of the antimicrobial screenings of B. aquifolium compared to standard drugs.
5. Discussion: Interprets the findings, contextualizing the antimicrobial and bacteriostatic effects of B. aquifolium against identified pathogens like S. mutans and C. albicans within the broader scope of oral health.
6. Summary and Conclusion: Concludes that the ethanolic extract of B. aquifolium serves as a potent, natural alternative for preventing dental infections, warranting further clinical investigation.
Keywords
Berberis aquifolium, dental caries, dental plaque, biofilm, Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, antimicrobial activity, homeopathic mother tincture, MIC, oral pathogens, demineralization, bacteriology, dental hygiene, Berberine, alternative medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this study?
This study evaluates the potential antimicrobial and bacteriostatic effects of the homeopathic mother tincture of Berberis aquifolium on microorganisms responsible for dental biofilm formation and oral infections.
What are the key thematic areas addressed in this work?
The core themes include the microbial etiology of dental caries, the isolation of specific oral pathogens from human subjects, the evaluation of herbal versus synthetic antimicrobial agents, and the potential of homeopathy in dental healthcare.
What is the primary research goal?
The research goal is to provide scientific validation for the use of B. aquifolium as a safe and effective adjuvant or alternative medicine for managing dental infections, thereby reducing dependence on synthetic antibiotics.
Which scientific methods were employed?
The study utilized agar well diffusion methods to measure zones of inhibition and the broth dilution method (tube dilution) to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the plant extracts.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main body systematically progresses from the literature review on dental anatomy and pathology to the isolation of plaque-associated colonies, their biochemical identification, and a comparative analysis of their sensitivity to B. aquifolium extracts and standard drugs.
Which keywords characterize this research?
The research is characterized by terms such as Berberis aquifolium, dental biofilm, Streptococcus mutans, antimicrobial efficacy, and homeopathic therapy.
How were the dental caries samples collected and processed?
Samples were obtained from five patients aged 7-35, following strict aseptic procedures including rinsing the buccal cavity with hydrogen peroxide and decontamination solutions, before transport for laboratory cultivation.
What was the specific conclusion regarding K. pneumoniae and E. coli?
The study observed that while B. aquifolium was highly effective against S. mutans, C. albicans, and P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae and E. coli exhibited significant resistance to the extract.
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- Dr RATHEESH MOHANAN (Autor:in), Dr Nirmal Ghosh (Autor:in), Sulumol Thomas (Autor:in), Sheethal Sreevallabhan (Autor:in), Svenia Jose (Autor:in), Asha Sukumarapillai (Autor:in), Parvathy UJ (Autor:in), Dr Sandya Sukumaran (Autor:in), Sony Rajan (Autor:in), 2021, Antibacterial Effect of Berberis Aquifolium Homeopathic Mother Tincture against Biofilm Formers from Dental Plaque, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/986994
