In vitro Antimicrobial Activities of Ethanol Extract of Distemonanthus benthamianus (Aayan) Baillon (Fabaceae) on Streptococcus mutans

Objectives: The objective of this research was to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of Distemonanthus benthamianus on Streptococcus mutans.

Methods: The antimicrobial activities of ethanol extract of Distemonanthus benthamianus was done on Streptococcus mutans using the agar well diffusion technique.

Results: The ethanol extract exhibited significant antibacterial activity against the tested bacteria with zones of inhibition between 15±0.1 mm to 20±0.2 mm at 6 mg/ml. The phytochemical analysis of the plant revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenol, steroids, and tannin. The MIC and MBC of the extract against the sensitive organisms was determined and was in the range of 15.6 µg/ml to 1000 µg/ml and 31.25 µg/ml to 1000 µg/ml. The ratio of MIC to MBC falls within 1 and 2, which is an indication of the bactericidal activity of the plant extract. The kinetic study revealed a reduction in the number of viable organisms with increase in contact time between the organisms and the extract.

Conclusion: This result justifies the use of Distemonanthus benthamianus in folkloric medicine for the treatment of dental caries diseases caused by Streptococcus mutans in Nigeria.