A comparative evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of extracts of Rosa Indica, Jasminum grandiflorum L and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L against Streptococcus Mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Staphylococcus aureus: an in vitro study

Background: Early humans were driven to explore their immediate natural surroundings for remedies to relieve pain and discomfort by using many plants and animal products. Despite advances in medicine, plants play a vital role in contributing to health care. However, scientific knowledge of the antimicrobial properties of plant species may contribute to the development of drugs against microorganisms of medical interest, particularly in dentistry. Aim was to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of Jasmine, Hibiscus and Rose leaf extracts on oral microorganisms versus the gold standard, Chlorhexidine. Methods: Ethanol extracts prepared from Jasmine, Hibiscus, and Rose leaves were screened for antimicrobial activity against S. mutans, L. acidophilus, and S. aureus using the agar well diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined for the test organisms. Statistical analysis was performed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by post hoc and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: At low concentration, 0.2% chlorhexidine (5 μg/ml) showed the maximum zone of inhibition, followed by Rose, Jasmine, and Hibiscus leaves. Rose leaves (10 μg/ml, 25 μg/ml, 50 μg/ml, 75 μg/ml) showed the maximum zone of inhibition, followed by 0.2% chlorhexidine, hibiscus, and jasmine leaves against S. aureus. Extracts were found to have statistically significant (p≤0.05) antimicrobial activity against S. mutans and S. aureus with MIC values of 0.2 μg/ml and 3.125 μg/ml respectively. Whereas no significant value was seen against L. acidophilus. A proportional increase in their antimicrobial activity (zone of inhibition) was observed. Conclusions: Chlorhexidine continues to remain as the gold standard; however, a highly significant difference was noted between the groups. Thus, confirming the presence of active constituents in medicinal plants.