Effects of α-mangostin as an Oral Antibacterial against Fusobacterium nucleatum

Background: Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure that results in an open socket, creating a susceptible environment for microbial contamination. Such open wounds are vulnerable to colonization by pathogenic microorganisms, which can impede the normal wound-healing process. Among these pathogens, Fusobacterium nucleatum is of interest and can contribute to postoperative infection. F. nucleatum is active in producing toxic substances such as endotoxins and liposaccharides that can induce cellular events, such as increasing osteoclast activity and decreasing osteoblast activity, which can cause alveolar bone resorption. Alpha mangostin, which contains xanthone, is one of the potent antibacterial substances found in the mangosteen plant and can be beneficial in treating bacterial infections. Aim: To analyze the antibacterial activity of α-mangostin compound on the growth of the bacterium Fusobacterium nucleatum. Material and Methods: This study was an in vitro laboratory experimental study with three groups: a positive control (amoxicillin), a negative control (distilled water), and treatment groups with eight concentrations of α-mangostin. The data were collected and statistically analyzed using SPSS. Results: The inhibition zone varied across groups. The 100% α-mangostin treatment produced the second largest zone after the positive control, with an average diameter of 15.94 ± 0.35 mm (range: 15.44–16.35 mm). Conclusions: Alpha mangostin has antibacterial properties with the greatest antibacterial activity at a concentration of 100%.