Evaluation of the Antibacterial activity of a Nigerian Chewing Stick(Lantana Camara)linn Ethanolic Extract Against MultiDrug-Resistant Oral Bacteria

The detrimental effects of oral diseases on human health, as well as the emergence of multi drug resistant (MDR) bacteria in oral and dental health care are issues of great concern. Hence, this study aims to evaluatethe antimicrobial effects of a Nigerian chewing stick (Lantana camara) extract against multi-drugresistant oral bacteria and their prospect for use in formulating oral healthcare products. Bacteria were obtained from the Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology laboratory of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State Nigeria. Their antibiogram determined using the Kirby Bauer disc method using standard gram-positive antibiotic sensitivity discs. Plant materialwas extracted by maceration with 70% ethanol. The bioactive components were identified using Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS). Antimicrobial activity of the extracts was assessed using agar well diffusion method. The organisms were all identified to be MDRs. Phytochemical analysis using GCMS, revealed that the Lantana camara extract contained twelve major bioactive compounds including; 2-Furancaboxaldehyde, Apha-Tepheneol, 2-methoxy-4- vinylphenol, 1-cylopro azulen-7-ol, Neophyticiene, Hexadecanoic acid. Others are Phytol, 9-octadecenoic acid, Cis-Vaccenic acid, Oleic acid,Beta.amyrin and 1H-Cycloprop[e]azulen-7-ol, decahydro-1,1,7-trimethyl-4- methylene-, [1ar-(1aα,4aα,7β,7aβ,7bα)]-. Results showed that the extract at MIC of 25mg/ml had an Inhibition zone diameter (IZD) of 10.5mm against M.sciuri and 13.0mm against E. caseliflavus. On the other hand, at MIC of 50mg/ml, it had an IZD of 15.0mm against E.galinarum and 12.5mm against G. creatinolyticus. The study showed that ethanolic extract of L.camaratwigs is capable of inhibiting the growth and proliferation of some multidrug resistant oral bacteria and can be developed and incorporated into oral hygiene products.