Antimicrobial and mineralization potential of herbal-calcium-CMC composites containing Ficus carica and Blepharis maderaspatensis in vitro study

To investigate the antimicrobial and in vitro remineralization potential of Ficus carica fruit and Blepharis maderaspatensis leaf herbal-calcium-CMC composites. Antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans and antifungal activity against Candida albicans were assessed via disc diffusion, MIC, and MBC assays. Remineralization potential was evaluated using Alizarin Red staining of Saos-2 cells. Ficus carica –calcium–CMC composite exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans (maximum inhibition zone up to 25 mm; MIC 62.5 µg/mL) and showed antifungal activity against Candida albicans. Blepharis maderaspatensis leaf demonstrated moderate antibacterial efficacy (maximum inhibition zone 24 mm; MIC 250 µg/mL) and relatively higher mineralization potential in vitro. Ficus carica fruit and Blepharis maderaspatensis leaf composites demonstrated moderate dual functionality, indicating potential for further in vitro evaluation for enamel and dentin remineralization alongside antimicrobial protection.