173
ISSN Versión impresa: 1992-2159; ISSN Versión electrónica: 2519-5697
Biotempo, 2020, 17(1), jan-jul.: 173-183.
REVIEW ARTICLE / ARTÍCULO DE REVISIÓN
NATURAL COMPOUNDS TO REDUCE THE BACTERIAL LOAD IN THE
ORAL CAVITY: A REVIEW ARTICLE
COMPUESTOS NATURALES PARA REDUCIR LA CARGA BACTERIANA DE
LA CAVIDAD ORAL: UN ARTÍCULO DE REVISIÓN
aináh Bruna Santos-Zambrano1,2,*; Rubén Jaime-Szwom2 & Ricardo Sergio Almeida3
1* Departamento de Patología, Universidad San Gregorio de Portoviejo, Ecuador. E-mail: thainahbruna@gmail.com
2 Departamento de Odontología, Instituto Universitario Italiano de Rosario (IUNIR), Argentina. E-mail: endodoncia.
iunir@gmail.com
3 Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad Estatal de Londrina, Brasil. E-mail: rikodonto@gmail.com
*Corresponding author: thainahbruna@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Currently, there is a wide range of pharmaceutical products that o er great bene ts for the treatment of various oral
diseases. Most of these products are of synthetic origin with antibacterial properties but there are the numerous side
e ects associated with their use. An alternative is the use of natural products from plants and insects in the reduction of
the bacterial load of the oral cavity as chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All.), cocoa ( eobroma cacao L.), aloe (Aloe
vera L.), moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.), oregano (Origanum vulgare L.), coconut (Cocos nucifera L.), garlic (Allium
sativum L.), clove (Syzgium aromaticum L.), cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum L.), stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni),
honey bee and propolis, addressed in this literature review. is review attempts to address the use of di erent natural
compounds in reducing the bacterial load of the oral cavity. It can be concluded that there are several studies about the
e ects of natural products on the part of man in medicine, where there are a large number of works and publications
related to natural substances with active ingredients in reducing the bacterial load of the oral cavity.
Keywords: Dentistry – Microorganism – Natural products – Phytopharmaceuticals
RESUMEN
Actualmente, existe una amplia gama de productos farmacéuticos que ofrecen grandes bene cios para el tratamiento de
diversas enfermedades orales. La mayoría de estos productos son de origen sintético con propiedades antibacterianas, pero
existen numerosos efectos secundarios asociados con su uso. Una alternativa es el uso de productos naturales de plantas
e insectos en la reducción de la carga bacteriana de la cavidad oral como la manzanilla (Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All.),
el cacao ( eobroma cacao L.), el aloe (Aloe vera L.), la moringa (Moringa oleífera Lam.), el orégano (Origanum vulgare
L.), coco (Cocos nucifera L.), ajo (Allium sativum L.), clavo (Syzgium aromaticum L.), cardamomo (Elettaria cardamomum
L.), stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni), miel de abeja y propóleos, abordados en esta revisión de la literatura. Esta revisión
Biotempo (Lima)
doi:10.31381/biotempo.v17i1.3146
Revista Biotempo: ISSN Versión Impresa: 1992-2159; ISSN Versión electrónica: 2519-5697 Santos- Zambrano et al.
174
intenta abordar el uso de diferentes compuestos naturales para reducir la carga bacteriana de la cavidad oral. Se puede
concluir que existen varios estudios sobre los efectos de los productos naturales por parte del hombre en la medicina,
donde hay una gran cantidad de trabajos y publicaciones relacionadas con sustancias naturales con ingredientes activos
para reducir la carga bacteriana de la cavidad oral.
Palabras clave: Fitofarmacéuticos –Microorganismos – Odontología – Productos naturales
INTRODUCTION
e microbiota of the oral cavity is made up of thousands
of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and
viruses, which nd their ideal niche in it. e presence
of pathogenic bacteria and their products of metabolism
interfere with the homeostasis of the oral tissue, which
leads to the development of diseases such as caries,
periodontitis, and respiratory diseases (Mayta et al.,
2012; Falsetta et al., 2014; Jakubovics, 2015).
Various investigations, such as epidemiological studies,
laboratory tests, and animal tests, conrm the association
between Streptococcus mutans Clarke 1924, dental caries,
and poor hygiene of the oral cavity. S. mutans is a Gram-
positive bacterium with coconut morphology, with
optional anaerobic respiration, and presents lactic acid
as the nal product of its fermentation. e excessive
production of this acid by this coconut in the presence
of carbohydrates causes a drop in the pH (below 5.0)
and the demineralization of dental tissues, giving rise
and development to caries. is disease is multifactorial
and global in scope and aects children and adults. In
some parts of the world, it is endemic due to the minimal
hygiene instruction of the population and the poor local
conditions (non-uoridated water, lack of adequate
dental treatment, and a cariogenic diet) (Akthar et al.,
2014; Dalmasso et al., 2015; Oda, 2015). S. mutans is
also associated with cases of non-oral infection such as
bacterial endocarditis. erefore, it is crucial to decrease
the number of bacteria in the saliva before invasive
procedures, avoiding the appearance of bacteremia, and
the consequent endocarditis (Lambert et al., 2001; Shan
et al., 2011; Ricatto et al., 2014; Kaur et al., 2015).
Another important microorganism present in the oral
cavity is the Enterococcus faecalis Orla-Jensen 1919
bacteria. It is an optional Gram-positive and anaerobic
coco microorganism. is bacterium can colonize a wide
range of habitats, such as the gastrointestinal tract and
the vagina. In the oral cavity, it is free in saliva, and,
when present in the root canals, it is associated with
failure and the need for endodontic retreatment (Wang
et al., 2012; Aparicio et al., 2019; Bernardino et al.,
2019). Improvements in biological material collection
techniques and molecular identication methods helped
reveal this microorganism in root canals (Sedgley et al.,
2006; Alarcón et al., 2016; Escalante & Martínez, 2020;
Moreno et al., 2020). E. faecalis has some mechanisms
that aid in survival and permanence within the tooth,
where the decaying dental pulp creates an extremely
inhospitable environment. ese mechanisms include
high nutritional adaptation, survival in an extremely
alkaline environment, and mobility to penetrate deep
into the dentinal tubules (Gursoy et al., 2013; Bumb et
al., 2014; Zhang et al., 2015; Reyes et al., 2018).
e use of a toothbrush, paste, and dental oss combined
with a correct oral hygiene technique are among the
options found by humans for the mechanical elimination
of pathogenic microorganisms. However, some patients
cannot reach certain places or even lack the manual
dexterity necessary to carry out eective oral hygiene,
do not satisfactorily eliminate microorganisms, and,
consequently, favor the evolution of pathologies (Almas
& Al, 2004; Gunsolley, 2010; Al & Kasi, 2012).
As an alternative to this problem, mouthwashes are
recommended, since they can reach places that are dicult
for the patient to access, in addition to destabilizing and
helping to eliminate microorganisms (Santos, 2003; Xu
et al., 2011; Gonçalves, 2013).
All these factors result in the current market having a
wide range of pharmaceutical products that oer great
benets for treating various oral diseases. Most of these
products are of synthetic origin with healing properties.
ere is no report of products intended to decrease the
bacterial load of the oral cavity, only pharmaceutical
forms manufactured for the treatment of inammation
of the oral tissues (Shon et al., 2004; Enrile de Rojas &
Santos, 2005; Rasooli et al., 2009).
e use of natural compounds as a treatment agent for
dierent local and systemic disorders has been practiced
Natural compounds in reducing the bacterial load
175
for thousands of years in various countries, mainly
in eastern countries. According to the World Health
Organization (WHO), 80% of the world population
depends on traditional herbal medicine for their primary
health needs (Borba & Macedo, 2006; García et al.,
2007).
e use of certain plants with natural medicinal properties
has always been used to produce or use some drugs related
to current therapeutics. In pharmaceutical laboratories,
some plants undergo some processes such as extraction,
purication, among others, and then they are used for
some pharmaceutical functions (Dagli et al., 2015;
Jakubovics, 2015). In addition to plants, compounds
generated by insects such as bees have also been used in
the development of natural medicines.
e aim of this research is to review the use of compounds
natural in reducing the bacterial load of the oral cavity.
Some natural compounds to reduce the bacterial load of
the oral cavity are presented below:
Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All.)
Chamomile has been considered since past times as a
natural and traditional medicinal plant. It can be anti-
inammatory and antioxidant, thus helping relaxation,
disinammation and also acts as a sedative, having
reasonable control of bacteria and other microorganisms
in regards to the oral cavity. It has been proven that it
reduces signs of gingivitis, such as inammation and
bleeding at the gum level (López, 2015; Borja, 2017).
Chamomile is titled as an ideal natural medicine due
to its composition since this product does not produce
stains; taste alterations, are non-toxic and can be used
at all ages, both in children, the elderly, and pregnant
women (López, 2015).
e antibacterial eect that chamomile has on the bacte-
ria S. mutans, has been raised through studies for that it
can be used as a mouthwash. Since it is easily accessible,
low cost, and it can be found within everyone’s reach,
and it does not have harmful side eects for those who
choose it possible occupy chamomile as a natural medi-
cine (Schencke et al., 2016; Fazio et al., 2010).
Cocoa (eobroma cacao L.)
One of the most predominant pathologies in the oral
cavity due to S. mutans is caries and periodontal disease.
Dentistry has been in charge of investigating among
numerous natural agents to decrease the bacterial eects
within the oral biolm, among them cocoa complies with
properties against acids and glucan synthesis, allowing its
decrease and favoring the bacteriostatic qualities of the
mentioned agent (Mariani et al., 2010).
e properties of cocoa focus on the action that the
extract of her seeds and powder can generate in dental
plaque. Attributing the leading role to the polyphenols
in cocoa that are responsible for the inhibitory activity
on the glucosyltransferase enzyme, showing bacteriostatic
behavior that reduces to some extent, the action of the S.
mutans (Mariani et al., 2010).
Aloe (Aloe vera L.)
Taking into account the anti-inammatory, antimicrobi-
al, and tissue healing eects of aloe vera, its application
in dentistry is extensive. Periodontal disease and dental
caries are multifactorial pathologies of high prevalence
worldwide. ey have an infectious component with tis-
sue destruction; in this sense, the regenerative eect has
been demonstrated in soft and hard tissues (Boonyagul et
al., 2013). On the other hand, scarring requires the ab-
sence of microorganisms. erefore, the use of this plant
could solve pathologies such as periodontal disease, loss
of dentin tissue, bone tissue after tooth extraction, and
other pathologies, in an economical and relatively safe
way (Moreno et al., 2011; Boonyagul et al., 2013).
More than seven decades after the rst publication of
the application of Aloe vera in Dentistry, scientic work
is scarce, as periodontal disease is the most studied.
According to the results, the products or derivatives of
this plant could be a pharmacological alternative for
many oral diseases of an infectious, inammatory, and
tissue loss nature (Moreno et al., 2011).
Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.)
Although research on herbal medicine applied in
dentistry is scarce, moringa oers excellent potential
for applications in diseases such as dental caries and
periodontal disease, highly morbid pathologies, where
their ubiquity makes it one of the problems of most
important public health worldwide. In this sense, herbal
formulations with antiseptic and antiplaque action play an
essential role in the prevention of these diseases (Dinesh,
2016). Both dental caries and periodontal disease have
their origin in the bacterial biolm, an entity formed by
the colonization and accumulation of microorganisms
in the microora, immersed in a matrix of glucans. S.
mutans produces glucosyltransferase, an enzyme that
synthesizes these glucans, essential for the adherence and
Revista Biotempo: ISSN Versión Impresa: 1992-2159; ISSN Versión electrónica: 2519-5697 Santos- Zambrano et al.
176
survival of biolm microorganisms, since they form a
barrier that prevents the diusion of acids generated by
these bacteria, in addition to creating poor environment
oxygen (Dinesh et al., 2016; Fazio et al., 2019).
Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.)
Oregano is an aromatic plant. is plant has an essential
oil that is carvacrol and thymol. is plant is well known
commercially for being used as a species, seasoning, and
medicinal properties. It also has antibacterial, antifungal,
antiparasitic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.
e oil that comes from this plant has an antimicrobial
eect against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
is antibacterial eect is because oregano has a high
content of polyphenolic compounds (Albado et al., 2001;
Rasooli et al., 2009).
Earlier it was mentioned that oregano contains compounds
such as carvacrol and thymol; these compounds aect
the permeability of the cell membrane. e eect on
phospholipids causes changes in the composition of fatty
acids (Pérez et al., 2020).
Studies carried out to verify the eectiveness of oregano
against dental caries show the following (Karadaĝlioĝlu et
al., 2019; Liu et al., 2019):
“e ndings of this study show that O. vulgare
(Oregano) at low concentrations (1%, 5%, and 10%) do
not have any antibacterial eect on the in vitro growth of
S. mutans. However, at high concentrations (20%, 40%,
60%, 80%, and 100%), they have an antibacterial eect
against the growth of S. mutans. So it was determined
that the minimum inhibitory eect was achieved at 20%
corresponding to 4 g of oregano in 200 ml of water.
According to the results of the study, the higher the dilution
of oregano concentration, the greater the inhibition halos
(Karadaĝlioĝlu et al., 2019; Liu et al., 2019).
Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.)
Coconut oil has antibacterial properties as a natural
product. Also, it has antibiotic properties that come from
a high concentration of lauric acid, which is characterized
by the increased antibacterial and antiviral properties of
the body. For this reason, when applied, coconut oil will
be more eective than any other synthetic product, since
it can minimize consequences, acting as an inhibitor of S.
mutans, as the main bacteria involved in the generation of
dental caries (Joy et al., 2019).
An in vitro experimental research carried out (Lambert,
2001) in which coconut oil was applied to a culture of
S. mutans strains, to identify the inhibitory eect by
measuring inhibition halos, found the following:
“In a research study, homemade coconut oil was
made, in which a diluent was used to obtain dierent
concentrations of 50%, 75% and 100%, which is pure
oil, whose average inhibition results were 12.96 mm for
100% concentration, 12.05 mm at 75% concentration
and 11.17 mm at 50% concentration, which shows that
S. mutans turns out to be “Sensitive or inhibited” when
presenting halos of inhibition greater than 8 mm”.
Streptococcus mutans was shown to be sensitive to coconut
oil in concentrations of 50%, 75% and 100%, taking
into account that there are no signicant dierences
between the inhibitions produced by the three dierent
concentrations (Joy et al., 2019).
Garlic (Allium sativum L.)
In a study in India, he stated that an abscessed tooth is
an infection with unsupportable pain that occurs when
these bacteria enter the root of the tooth through a cavity
or crack between them. ese cavities occur when certain
substances or bacteria, whether external or internal,
enter between these cracks and make your enamel
susceptible and weak. e symptoms are closely related
to redness, burning, and swelling of the gums (Saha &
Bandyopadhyay, 2019).
e mixture of the avonoids that have sulfur in garlic
heals a specic part of the swelling and relieves pain.
It contains a substance called Allicin that its action
is to function as a natural antibiotic that can make it
possible to destroy some other bacteria. Garlic is a local
anesthetic that gives pain relief by numbing the infected
area and aiming to reduce pain temporarily (Saha &
Bandyopadhyay, 2019).
Garlic, when used as a natural agent, can be used alone or
mixed with other natural ingredients to make a treatment
with improvement and eectiveness. ere are several
ways on how to apply garlic (topical use), place the garlic
clove in direct contact with the infected area, rinse with
garlic water, ll garlic powder, garlic paste and salt with
hot water as an antiseptic property, garlic ointment as an
antibiotic, garlic and cloves as a pain reliever and garlic
paste and Curcuma (Saha & Bandyopadhyay, 2019).
Natural compounds in reducing the bacterial load
177
Clove (Syzgium aromaticum L.)
According to Radünz et al. (2019) deduced that thanks
to the small properties provided by cloves, a natural and
eective remedy could be obtained to combat cavities and
prevent the severe accumulation of tartar and to combat
bad breath. To keep the teeth and the entire oral cavity
healthy, we must maintain adequate hygiene and, for
this, more eectively, natural agents such as rinsing cloves
against dental caries. Cloves have excellent antiseptic
properties (Radünz et al., 2019).
Most toothpaste and rinses contain ingredients that could
be harmful to the oral cavity, such as alcohol, parasites,
and sulfates. is natural agent serves to complete the
cleaning of the mouth and to provide good breath after
the correct brushing of teeth. With this, it can facilitate
the elimination of microorganisms, either 50% of which
cause cavities, bad breath, and inammation of the
oral cavity. However, this can be supplemented by its
help with alcohol and natural ingredients such as cloves
(Radünz et al., 2019).
Clove is an aromatic spice originating from Indonesia,
and its high antiseptic power prevents cavities and any
oral infection, it has analgesic properties for toothache.
Its intense smell is a remedy for bad breath and is anti-
inammatory for the gums and prevents gingivitis
(Radünz et al., 2019).
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum L.)
Cardamom is an aromatic condiment with highly valued
medicinal agents since it helps digestion, it is a remedy
for lack of salivation, a natural antiseptic, and a remedy
for halitosis and bacteria that cause cavities. is plant
is usually harvested in countries of India, it is a family
of ginger, and therefore it grows and has excellent roots
(Maheswari et al., 2020).
It has large owers and green leaves, its seed has a bitter
taste, but it is edible since it has its benets as it is a natural
medicine for bad breath since this plant is a source of
cineole, this is a natural antiseptic that helps kill bacteria
that cause cavities (Maheswari et al., 2020).
Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni)
Stevia is used as pills in natural medicine, in the medicine
of Asian countries, it is considered to be very good to
ght allergies, increase defenses, control cholesterol and
is also a natural treatment for hypertension, diabetes,
obesity, caries and oral health. On the other hand, in the
Mediterranean and American countries, its properties are
less known, because people are unaware of its properties
and its healing capacity, it is also known as the sweet herb
of Paraguay. It is edible, and we nd it as a sunower
family (Tiwari et al., 2018).
It has eective agents for treatments of oral conditions
such as caries, the extracts it has been lethal for the bacteria
that cause caries and dental plaque. ese discoveries are
important not only because these microorganisms do
not grow because there is no sugar, but also because the
activity is bactericidal, that is, it kills the bacteria that drive
these diseases. is opens a handy eld for stevia in other
pharmacological applications. It can be used as the main
compound in mouthwashes, toothpaste, among others,
due to its high content of vitamin C (Tiwari et al., 2018).
Honey bee
Bee honey has essential medicinal properties so much so
that since ancient times they have been considered for
helping in treatments against infections caused by both
bacteria and fungi. Manuel de la Rosa and José Prieto
maintain that (De la Rosa & Prieto, 2010):
“Honey is a natural product, made by bees based on the
nectar of owers, bees enrich and transform this nectar
with substances that they generate in their bodies, and
deposit it and store it in the combs where they mature.t
presents an acidic pH ranging from 3.2 to 4.5”.
e antibacterial characteristics that it presents are
mainly due to its osmolarity. Its content is related to
the demand for water present, its low pH, among other
specic components that each plant possesses, these will
transfer its qualities and elements positive and essential to
the nectar collected by bees (Romero, 2013).
e honey has been investigated against S. mutans infec-
tions, dental plaque and caries, gingivitis and halitosis.
Honey was also useful in preventing side eects associated
with treatment of cancers of the head and neck, namely,
radiation induced mucositis, xerostomia and poor wound
healing (Ramsay et al., 2019).
Propolis
Sánchez (2017), denes propolis as being: “distinguished
by being a resinous substance, bitter at times with
a pleasant and sweet aroma, propolis, performs an
antibacterial action such as inactivating the membrane
potential and inhibiting protein synthesis as for bacteria,
it is concerned.”
Revista Biotempo: ISSN Versión Impresa: 1992-2159; ISSN Versión electrónica: 2519-5697 Santos- Zambrano et al.
178
When talking about the bacterium S. mutans (the
primary driver of caries), the focus is on damage to the
plasma membrane. e antibacterial action that propolis
develops consists of exclusive chemical composition in
avonoids such as apigenin, identied by having the
inhibitory quality of glucosyltransferases in bactericidal
response, avoiding the synthesis of glucans since these
can aect the oral microbiota (Sánchez, 2017). is
bacterium mentioned above has acidogenic properties
which promote the production of extracellular and
intracellular polysaccharides, under the eects of propolis
(Mayta et al., 2012).
Antimicrobial-inhibitory eects of compounds
natural on microorganisms in the oral cavity.
In Table 1, it is shown the antimicrobial inhibitory
eects of natural compounds from plants and insects on
microorganisms, being that dierent parts of the plants
(fruit, endosperm, seed, bulb, shell, stem and leaves) are
extracted with chemical or natural solvents, in the control
of microorganisms, in research in vivo and in vitro.
Table 1. Antimicrobial-inhibitory eects of compounds natural on microorganisms in the oral cavity.
Plant/part or
Compounds
natural Extract Micro-organism control Application References
Cymbopogon
citratus Spreng/ fruit
Ethanol Enteriobacteriacae, Staphylococcus
aureus Rosenbach,1884 in vitro (Ramsay et al.,
2019)
Allium sativum L./
Bulb Ethanol Enteriobacteriacae,
Candida spp. Berkhout, 1923
in vitro (Ramsay et al.,
2019)
ymus vulgaris L./
leaves ymol,
Linalol
Carvacrol
Listeria monocytogenes Pirie, 1940,
Escherichia coli Escherich, 1885,
S. typhimirium Rosenbach,1884
S. aureus
in vitro (Radünz et al.,
2019)
Verbena
ocinalis L./ leaves
Borneol
Geraniol S. aureus,
E. coli,
S. typhimirium,
L. monocytogenes
in vitro (Rasooli et al.,
2009)
Libanothamnus
neriifolius Ernst /
leaves
Oil S. aureus,
Enterococcus faecalis Orla-Jensen 1919,
E. coli,
Klebsiella pneumoniae Trevisan 1885,
Pseudomonas aureginosa Schroeter,
1872,
Candida albicans Berkhout, 1923,
Candida krusei Berkhout, 1923
in vitro (Reyes et al., 2018)
eobroma cacao L./
shell. Oil P. aeruginosas,
Proteus sp. Hauser 1885.
Enterobacter sp., E. coli,
Pseudomonas putida Trevisan 1889
in vitro (Romero, 2013)
Continua Table 1
Natural compounds in reducing the bacterial load
179
Aloe vera L./gel Glycerol Helicobacter pylori Marshall et al. 1985,
E. coli,
E. faecalis,
S. aureus,
Streptococcus mutans Clarke 1924
in vitro (Saha &
Bandyopadhy,
2019)
Cocos nucifera L./
endosperm Oil Listeria ivanovii,
L monocytogenes
in vitro (Sánchez, 2017)
Moringa oleífera
Lam./ Seed Water E. coli, β-Lactamasas in vivo (Santos, 2003)
Stevia rebaudiana
Bertoni/ leaves
Ethanol S. sanguinis White & Niven, 1946
Actinomyces viscosus (Howell et al.,
1965) Georg et al., 1969.
in vitro (Sedgley et al.,
2006)
Salvadora persica L./
stem Water S. mutans
Lactobacillus spp. Beijerinck 1901
S. aureus
in vivo (Schencke et al.,
2016)
Juglans regia L./ stem Methanol
Ethanol
chloroform
Acetone
Water
S. mutans,
Porphyromonas gingivalis Coykendall et
al., 1980
in vivo (Shan et al., 2011)
Camellia sinensis L./
leaves Polyphenol
Ethanol
S. mutans in vitro (Shon et al., 2004)
Morus alba L./ leaves Ethanol S. mutans,
Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans
Klinger, 1912,
P. gingivalis,
Prevotella intermedia (Holdeman &
Moore 1970) Shah & Collins 1990,
Streptococccus mutans Clarke 1924,
Streptococcus mitis,
S. sanguinis,
Actinomycete viscosus (Howell et al.,
1965) Georg et al., 1969, Lactobacillus
acidophilus Johnson et al., 1980
Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis
(Orla-Jensen 1919) Weiss et al. 1984
in vitro (Tiwari et al.,
2018)
Mentha spicata L./
leaves Oil S. mutans in vivo, in vitro (Wang et al., 2012)
Continua Table 1
Continua Table 1
Revista Biotempo: ISSN Versión Impresa: 1992-2159; ISSN Versión electrónica: 2519-5697 Santos- Zambrano et al.
180
Eucalyptus globulus
LaBill./ stem Oil P. gingivalis
Actiobacillus actinomycetemcomitans
Klinger, 1912
Fusabaterium nucleatum Knorr, 1922
S. mutans
Streptococcus sobrinus
In vivo, In vitro (Xu et al., 2011)
Bee honey, Propolis Water Bacillus cereus Frankland & Frankland,
1887,
Bacillus subtilis Ehrenberg, 1835,
E. coli,
Salmonella enteritidis (Gaertner 1888)
Castellani & Chalmers 1919,
Salmonella typhimurium Le Minor &
Popo, 1987,
S. aureus
In vitro (Zhang et al.,
2015)
CONCLUSIONS
According to the literature, it can be concluded that
there are several studies concerning the eects of natural
products on the part of man in medicine, where there are a
large number of works and publications related to natural
substances with an active ingredient of biological interest
with phytopharmaceuticals. However, in dentistry,
there is also this trend, more than a few publications
that allow a scientic endorsement for or use of these
products, mainly the development of mouthwashes with
a preventive and alternative means of reducing bacterial
load in the oral cavity of the individual.
Conict of interest
e authors declare that they do not have any conict of
interest regarding the study topic.
Ethical aspects
e authors declare that they have abided with ethical
guidelines regarding the study.
BIBILOGRAPHIC REFERENCES
Akthar, M.S.; Birhanu, D. & Tanweer, A. 2014.
Antimicrobial activity of essential oils extracted
from medicinal plants against the pathogenic
microorganisms: a review. Journal of Social
Issues, 2350: 65-88.
Albado, P.E.; Saez, F.G. & Grabiel, A.S. 2001.
Composición química y actividad antibacteriana
del aceite esencial del Origanum vulgare
(orégano).Revista Médica Herediana,12: 16-
19.
Almas, K. & Al, Z.Z. 2004. e immediate antimicrobial
eect of a toothbrush and miswak on cariogenic
bacteria: a clinical study. e Journal of
Contemporary Dental Practice, 5: 105-114.
Al, S.S & Kasi, M. 2012. Anti-biolm activity of Salvadora
persica on cariogenic isolates of Streptococcus
mutans: in vitro and molecular docking studies.
Biofouling,28: 29-38.
Alarcón, M.; Fraile, S.; Michelangeli, F.; Contreras,
M. & Fernández, R. 2016. Evaluación in
vitro de dos extractos de Aloe vera en bacterias
patógenas.Salus,20: 41-46.
Aparicio, Z.R.; Rojas-Fermín, L.; Velasco, J.; Usubillaga,
A.; Sosa, M. & Rojas, J. 2019. Caracterización
química y actividad antimicrobiana del aceite
esencial de las hojas de Libanothamnus neriifolius
(Asteraceae). Revista peruana de biología, 26:
95-100.
Bernardino, E.A.; Morteo, L.T.; Naranjo, A.G.R.; Ruiz,
M.M.; Uscanga, C.L.P. & Hernández, G.R.C.
2019. Efectividad del cacao sobre el desarrollo
del Biolm en estudiantes de Odontologia
Continua Table 1
Natural compounds in reducing the bacterial load
181
Veracruz, generación 2018. Revista Mexicana
de Medicina Forense y Ciencias de la Salud, 4:
45-49.
Borba, A.M. & Macedo, M. 2006. Plantas medicinais
usadas para a saúde bucal pela comunidade do
bairro Santa Cruz, Chapada dos Guimarães,
MT, Brasil. Acta Botanica Brasilica, 20: 771-
782.
Borja, V. 2017. Efecto inhibitorio del extracto de
manzanilla (Matricaria chamomilla), extracto
de llantén (Plantago major L.) y la combinación
del extracto de manzanilla y llantén comparado
con la clorhexidina sobre cepa de Porphyromona
gingivalis. Universidad Central del Ecuador.
Facultad de Odontología, Tesis de Licenciatura
Quito. pp. 17-29.
B
umb, S.S.; Bhaskar, D.J.; Agali, C.R.; Punia, H.; Gupta,
V.; Singh, V. & Chandra, S. 2014. Assessment of
photodynamic therapy (PDT) in disinfection of
deeper dentinal tubules in a root canal system: an-
in vitro study.Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic
Research,8: 59-67.
Boonyagul, S.; Banlunara, W.; Sangvanich, P. &
unyakitpisal, P. 2013. Eect of acemannan,
an extracted polysaccharide from Aloe vera
on BMSCs proliferation, dierentiation,
extracellular matrix synthesis, mineralization,
and bone formation in a tooth extraction model.
Odontology, 102: 310-317.
Dagli, N.; Dagli, R.; Mahmoud, R.S. & Baroudi, K. 2015.
Essential oils, their therapeutic properties, and
implication in dentistry: A review. Journal of
International Society of Preventive & Community
Dentistry,5: 330-335.
Dalmasso, M.; De Haas, E.; Neve, H.; Strain, R.;
Cousin, F.J.; Stockdale, S. R. & Hill, C. 2015.
Isolation of a novel phage with activity against
Streptococcus mutans biolms. PLoS One, 10:
1-18.
De la Rosa, M. & Prieto, J. 2010. Microbiología en ciencias
de la salud. 2da Ed. Ed. Elsevier, pp. 84-101.
Dinesh, M.D.; Shaheena, A; Bari, K.K.; George, N. &
Meenatchisundaram, S. 2016. Preliminary
screening of Anticariogenic properties of
selected medicinal plants against Streptococcal
dental caries. International Journal of Current
Microbiology and Applied Sciences, 5: 699-
705.
Enrile de Rojas, F.J. & Santos, A.A. 2005. Colutorios
para el control de placa y gingivitis basados en la
evidencia cientíca.Rcoe,10: 445-452.
Escalante, P.M. & Martínez, P.M. 2020. Sensibilidad de
Listeria monocytogenes y Listeria ivanovii frente al
aceite esencial de Cocos nucifera.Rebiol,36: 38-4
4.
Falsetta, M.L.; Klein, M.I.; Colonne, P.M.; Scott-Anne,
K.; Gregoire, S.; Pai, C.H. & Koo, H. 2014.
Symbiotic relationship between Streptococcus
mutans and Candida albicans synergizes
virulence of plaque biolms in vivo.Infection
and Immunity,82: 1968-1981.
Fazio, M.L.S.; Paulino, L.G. & Geromel, M.R. 2019.
Potencial antibacteriano de mel in natura,
produzido por Apis mellifera e Tetragonisca
angustula, e própolis comercial. Revista Inter
Ciência-IMES Catanduva,1: 1-8.
García, P.E.; Marín, L.; Domènech, E.; Bernal, I.;
Mañosa, M.; Zabana, Y. & Gassull, M.A. 2007.
Utilización de medicinas alternativas y consumo
de drogas por pacientes con enfermedad
inamatoria intestinal.Medicina Clínica,128:
45-48.
Gursoy, H.; Ozcakir, T.C. & Tanalp, J. 2013.
Photodynamic therapy in dentistry : a literature
review. Clinical oral investigations, 17: 1113–
1125.
Gunsolley, J.C. 2010. Clinical ecacy of antimicrobial
mouthrinses. Journal of Dentistry, 38: Suppl. 1,
S6–S10.
Gonçalves, E.D.A. 2013. Avaliação da ecácia
antimicrobiana dos enxaguatórios bucais
contendo como princípios ativos o
triclosan, cloreto de cetilpiridínio e óleos
essenciais Composição dos colutórios bucais
comercialmente disponíveis. HU Revista, Juiz
de Fora, 39: 45–50.
Jakubovics, N.S. 2015. Intermicrobial interactions
as a driver for community composition and
stratication of oral biolms. Journal of
Molecular Biology, 427: 3662-3675.
Revista Biotempo: ISSN Versión Impresa: 1992-2159; ISSN Versión electrónica: 2519-5697 Santos- Zambrano et al.
182
Joy, A.; Vinson, B.; Anto, L.; Dinilkumar, M.; Wilson, S.;
Simon, S. & Godavarma, J. 2019. Antibacterial
screening and phytochemical powder isolated
from dorsal side of leaves of Cocos nucifera
(Arecaceae).Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
and Research,11: 2555-2557.
Kaur, G.; Rajesh, S. & Princy, S. 2015. Plausible drug
targets in the Streptococcus mutans quorum
sensing pathways to combat dental biolms and
associated risks. Indian journal of microbiology,
4: 349-356.
Karadağlıoğlu, Ö.İ.; Ulusoy, N.; Başer, K.H.C.; Hanoğlu,
A. & Şık, İ. 2019. Antibacterial activities of
herbal toothpastes combined with essential oils
against Streptococcus mutans.Pathogens, 8: 14-
20.
Liu, Q.R.; Wang, W.; Qi, J.; Huang, Q. & Xiao, J.
2019. Oregano essential oil loaded soybean
polysaccharide lms: Eect of pickering type
immobilization on physical and antimicrobial
properties.Food Hydrocolloids,87: 165-172.
Lambert, R.J.W.; Skandamis, P.N.; Coote, P.J. & Nychas,
G.J. 2001. A study of the minimum inhibitory
concentration and mode of action of oregano
essential oil, thymol and carvacrol. Journal of
Applied Microbiology, 91: 453-462.
López, D. 2015. Comparación de la ecacia entre enjuagues
bucales de gluconate de clorhexidina al 0,12 y de
manzanilla con bicarbonato de sodio, en pacientes
con gingivitis inducida por placa bacteriana.
Universidad de Las Américas. Facultad de
Odontología, Tesis de Licenciatura.
Maheswari, P.; Ponnusamy, S.; Harish, S.;
Muthamizhchelvan, C. & Hayakawa, Y. 2020.
Syntheses and characterization of Syzygium
aromaticum, Elettaria cardamomum and
Cinnamomum verum modied TiO2 and their
biological applications. Materials Science in
Semiconductor Processing,105: 104-107.
Mariani M.; Jaimes G. & Fernandez, R. 2010. Efecto
bacteriostático del extracto de semillas de cacaco
(eobroma cacaco L.) sobre el crecimiento de
Streptococcus mutans in vitro. Revista cientíca
facultad de odontología Universidad de
Carabobo, 11: 15-22.
Mayta F.; Sacsaquispe S.; Ceccarelli J. & Alania J. 2012.
Propóleo peruano: Una nueva alternativa
terapéutica antimicrobiana en estomatología.
Revista Estomatológica Herediana 22: 50-58.
Moreno, A.; Cañada, A.; Antúnez, J.; Díaz, C. & Pineda,
A. 2011. Uso de la toterapia en 3 Clínicas
Estomatológicas de Santiago de Cuba. Medisan,
15: 489-494.
Moreno, G.S.E.; Chávez, V. & Brisset, D. 2020. Efecto
del extracto etanólico de Moringa oleífera sobre
la supervivencia de Listeria monocytogenes ATCC
19115 in vitro Universidad Nacional de Trujillo.
Tesis de Microbiología y Parasitología.
Oda, Y.; Hayashi, F. & Okada, M. 2015. Longitudinal
study of dental caries incidence associated with
Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus
in patients with intellectual disabilities. BMC
Oral Health, 15: 102-106.
Pérez, A.C.; Salvatierra, M.E.S. & Delgado, D.R. 2020.
Efecto antimicrobiano del aceite esencial de
Orégano frente a Listeria monocytogenes y
Staphylococcus aureus.Revista de Investigaciones
Altoandinas,22: 25-33.
Ramsay, E.I.; Rao, S.; Madathil, L.; Hegde, S.K.; Baliga-
Rao, M.P.; George, T. & Baliga, M.S. 2019.
Honey in oral health and care: A mini review.
Journal of Oral Biosciences, 61: 32-36.
Radünz, M.; da Trindade, M.L.M.; Camargo, T.M.;
Radünz, A.L.; Borges, C.D.; Gandra, E. A. &
Helbig, E. 2019. Antimicrobial and antioxidant
activity of unencapsulated and encapsulated
clove (Syzygium aromaticum, L.) essential
oil.Food Chemistry,276: 180-186.
Rasooli, I.; Shayegh, S. & Astaneh, S.D.A. 2009. e eect
of Mentha spicata and Eucalyptus camaldulensis
essential oils on dental biolm. International
journal of dental hygiene,7: 196-203.
Reyes, K.B.; Ramos-Perfecto, D.; Luna, A.C.; Botello,
C.P.; Paredes, D.D. & Macedo, J.C. R. 2018.
Efecto antibacteriano in vitro del extracto de
Stevia rebaudiana sobre Streptococcus sanguinis y
Actinomyces viscosus, bacterias iniciadoras en la
formación de biopelícula dental. Odontología
Sanmarquina,21: 21-25.
Natural compounds in reducing the bacterial load
183
Ricatto, L.G.O.; Conrado, L.A.L.; Turssi, C.P.; França,
F.M.G.; Basting, R.T. & Amaral, F. L.B. 2014.
Comparative evaluation of photodynamic
therapy using LASER or light emitting diode on
cariogenic bacteria: an in vitro study.European
Journal of Dentistry,8: 509-514.
Romero, Y. 2013. Determinación in vitro del efecto
antibacteriano de la miel de la abeja común (Apis
mellífera) y de la abeja angelita (Tetragonisca
angustula) ante el Staphylococcus aureus coagulasa
positivo. Revista Cientíca Agroecosistemas,
19:38-42.
Saha, M. & Bandyopadhyay, P.K. 2019. Green
biosynthesis of silver nanoparticle using Garlic,
Allium sativum with reference to its antimicrobial
activity against the pathogenic strain of Bacillus
sp. and Pseudomonas sp. infecting Goldsh,
Carassius auratus. Proceedings of the Zoological
Society, 72: 180-186.
Sánchez, J. 2017. Ecacia antibacteriana in vitro del
extracto etanólico de propóleo versus el aceite
esencial de Origanum vulgare “orégano”
sobre Streptococcus mutans”. Tesis de grado.
Universidad Privada de Tacna.
Santos, A. 2003. Evidence-based control of plaque and
gingivitis. Journal of clinical periodontology,
30: 13-16.
Sedgley, C.; Buck, G. & Appelbe, O. 2006. Prevalence
of Enterococcus faecalis at multiple oral sites in
endodontic patients using culture and PCR.
Journal of Endodontics, 32: 104-109.
Schencke, C.; Vásquez, B.; Sandoval, C. & Del Sol,
M. 2016. El rol de la miel en los procesos
morfosiológicos de reparación de heridas.
International Journal of Morphology, 34: 385-
395.
Shan, B.; Cai, Y.Z.; Brooks, J.D. & Corke, H. 2011.
Potential application of spice and herb extracts
o natural preservatives in cheese. Journal of
Medicinal Food,14:284-290.
Shon, H.Y.; Son, K.H.; Kwon, C.S.; Kwon, G.S. &
Kang, S. S. 2004. Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic
Activity of 18 prenylated avonoids isolated
from medicinal plants: Morus alba L., Morus
mongolica Schneider, Broussnetia papyrifera (L.)
Vent, Sophora avescens Ait and Echinosophora
koreensis Nakai. Phytomedicine, 11: 666-672.
Tiwari, B.S.; Ankola, A.V.; Sankeshwari, R.M.; Bolmal,
U. & Kashyap, B.R. 2018. Comparison of
antibacterial ecacy of aqueous suspension,
alcoholic extract and their combination of Stevia
rebaudiana against two cariogenic organisms-
an in-vitro study. International journal of life
sciences scientic research, 4: 1946-1951.
Wang, Q.Q.; Zhang, C.F.; Chu, C.H. & Zhu, X.F. 2012.
Prevalence of Enterococcus faecalis in saliva and
lled root canals of teeth associated with apical
periodontitis. International journal of oral
science,4: 19-23.
Xu, X.; Zhou, Z.; Xue D. & Christine, D. 2011. e
tea catechin epigallocatechin gallate suppresses
cariogenic virulence factors of Streptococcus
mutans.Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy,
55: 1229-1236.
Zhang, C.; Du, J. & Peng, Z. 2015. Correlation between
Enterococcus faecalis and persistent intraradicular
infection compared with primary intraradicular
infection: A systematic review. Journal of
Endodontics, 41: 1-7.
Received May 7, 2020.
Accepted June 20, 2020.
