Abstract

DETERMINATION OF ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF RUTA GRAVEOLENS AGAINST STREPTOCOCCUS GORDONII AND STREPTOCOCCUS SALIVARIUS – AN IN VITRO STUDY

Dr. Athira K. C. BDS, *Dr. Harsha Mysore Babu MDS, Dr. Vivekananda Maranahally Rangaraju MDS

Abstract

Background: Primary colonizers lead to the development of microcolonies and eventually to a mature biofilm in the oral cavity. Herbal medicinesare being used sincea long time in the treatment of periodontal diseases. Ruta graveolens, a medicinal plant belonging to Rutaceaefamily is reported to haveantimicrobial, antiviral, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. This studyaimed to determine the antibacterial activity of R. graveolens againstprimary colonizing bacteria Streptococcus gordonii and Streptococcus salivarius. Materials and Methods: Ruta graveolens plant was collected and processed using Soxhlet apparatus. Antibacterial activity of methanolic extract of R. graveolens was tested against S. gordonii and S. salivarius bacterial strains at four concentrations 15%, 25%, 40%, 50% using well diffusion technique. Result: R. graveolens extractshowed the largest zone of inhibition, 18.5 mm against S.gordonii and16.0mmagainst S. salivariusat 50 % concentration. And no zone of inhibition found for 15%, 25% and 40% concentrations against S. salivarius. Conclusion: It could beconcluded that methanolic extract of R. graveolens possess significant antibacterial activityagainst Streptococcus gordonii and Streptococcus salivarius.

Keywords: Ruta graveolens, antibacterial activity, Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcussalivarius.