Harnessing Australian Native Plants' Potential For Dental Caries Prevention

This study investigates the potential of Australian native plant extracts in preventing dental caries through their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties Selected Australian native plants were evaluated for their antioxidant capacity using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay. Antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans was assessed through microdilution methods to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and drop plate methods to establish the Minimum Bactericidal/Fungicidal Concentration (MBC/MFC). Phytochemical analysis using GCMS (Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry) and LCMS (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) was conducted to identify bioactive compounds. The studied plant extracts and essential oils demonstrated significant antioxidant activity and effective antimicrobial properties against S. mutans and C. albicans. Phytochemical analysis tentatively obtained the presence of phenolic compounds, including rutin, catechins, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid which are known to inhibit bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. These findings suggest that the plant extracts have strong potential as natural agents for caries prevention Australian native plant extracts exhibit promising antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that support their use as natural preventive agents against dental caries. Their potential to reduce bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation offers a sustainable alternative to conventional treatments, helping to mitigate the risks associated with antimicrobial resistance.