Kaffir lime leaves extract inhibits biofilm formation by Streptococcus mutans

• Published in: Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.) Vol. 32; no. 4; pp. 486 - 490
• Main Authors: Kooltheat, Nateelak, M.Sc, Kamuthachad, Ludthawun, B.Sc, Anthapanya, Methinee, B.Sc, Samakchan, Natthapon, B.Sc, Sranujit, Rungnapa Pankla, Ph.D, Potup, Pachuen, Ph.D, Ferrante, Antonio, Ph.D, Usuwanthim, Kanchana, Ph.D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.04.2016; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Anti-Bacterial Agents - pharmacology; Bacterial Proteins - antagonists & inhibitors; Bacterial Proteins - genetics; Bacterial Proteins - metabolism; Bacteriology; Biofilm formation; Biofilms; Biofilms - drug effects; Citrus - chemistry; Citrus fruits; Dental Caries - drug therapy; Down-Regulation; Ethnic foods; Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Genes; Kaffir lime; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Minimum inhibitory concentration; Phenols; Phenols - analysis; Phenols - pharmacology; Plant Extracts - pharmacology; Plant Leaves - chemistry; Prevention; RNA, Bacterial - genetics; Streptococcus mutans; Streptococcus mutans - drug effects; Transcription Factor RelA - antagonists & inhibitors; Transcription Factor RelA - genetics; Transcription Factor RelA - metabolism; Southeast Asia; South Asia; Kaffir lime; Biofilm formation; Minimum inhibitory concentration; Streptococcus mutans
• ISSN: 0899-9007; 1873-1244
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2015.10.010

Abstract Objectives Although kaffir lime has been reported to exhibit antioxidant and antileukemic activity, little is known about the antimicrobial effect of kaffir lime extract. Because Streptococcus mutans has been known to cause biofilm formation, it has been considered the most important causative pathogen of dental caries. Thus, the effective control of its effects on the oral biofilm is the key to the prevention of dental caries. The aims of the present study were to investigate the effect of kaffir lime leaves extract on biofilm formation and its antibacterial activity on S. mutans. Methods We examined the effect of kaffir lime leaves extract on growth and biofilm formation of S. mutans . For the investigation we used a kaffir lime extract with high phenolic content. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the extract was determined by broth microdilution assay. The inhibitory effect of the test substances on biofilm formation was also investigated by biofilm formation assay and qRT-PCR of biofilm formation–associated genes. Results Kaffir lime leaves extract inhibits the growth of S. mutans , corresponding to the activity of an antibiotic, ampicillin. Formation of biofilm by S. mutans was also inhibited by the extract. These results were confirmed by the down-regulation of genes associated with the biofilm formation. Conclusions The findings highlight the ability of kaffir lime leaves extract to inhibit S. mutans activity, which may be beneficial in the prevention of biofilm formation on dental surface, reducing dental plaque and decreasing the chance of dental carries.