Abstract

AQUEOUS METHANOL EXTRACT OF THE ROOT BARK OF ZANTHOXYLUM ZANTHOXYLOIDES PROVIDES NATURAL REMEDY FOR DENTAL CARIES AND TOOTHACHE

Okafor Sunday Nwankwo*, Chibueze Grace Chioma, Obonga Wilfred Ofem, Ezeokonkwo Mercy Amara and Muogbo Clement Chijioke

Abstract

Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides has a wide ethnopharmacological relevance and has been used for curing stomachache, tooth-ache, mouth fresh, coughs, urinary and veneral diseases, leprous ulcerations, rheumatism and lumbago. The extracts of the plant were tested against clinical four isolates: Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus spp., Staphylococcus aureus and Sarcina lutea. Toxicity test was carried out using the Lorke’s method. Antimicrobial assay was done using Agardiffusion method. The Norciceptive evaluation was carried out using the acetic acid-induced and hot plate methods. The aqueous methanol extract of the root bark of Z. zanthoxyloides exhibited significant activity (p 5000 mg/kg. The aqueous methanol extract of Z. zanthoxyloides has demonstrated an excellent antimicrobial activity against key microorganisms implicated in dental caries and oral thrush. It also has significant norciceptive activity. This study has clearly shown why this plant has been used for treatment of dental caries, toothache and as a mouthwash. The antibacterial and the analgesic properties play synergistic role in alleviating dental caries and toothache.

Keywords: Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides, dental caries, toothache, Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus spp, natural remedy.