Antibacterial effect of hydroethanolic extracts of Mentha piperita and Cymbopogon citratus against Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175: In vitro study.

Carlos Edilberto Benites-Flores; Rossemarie Jetzabel Loaiza-Molina · TUMI Oral Health (2026) · DOI: 10.64716/4n8c6d42

Resumen

Dental caries remains one of the most prevalent oral diseases worldwide, primarily associated with the activity of Streptococcus mutans. The search for natural antimicrobial agents has gained increasing attention due to their potential effectiveness and reduced adverse effects compared to conventional agents. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial effect of hydroethanolic extracts of Mentha piperita and Cymbopogon citratus, individually and in combination, against Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175. An in vitro experimental, prospective, and analytical study was conducted using 50 Petri dishes distributed into five groups: hydroethanolic extract of Mentha piperita, Cymbopogon citratus, their combination, 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate (positive control), and a negative control. All groups were exposed to a standardized bacterial suspension of 1.5 × 10⁸ CFU/mL. Antibacterial activity was assessed by measuring inhibition zones using a calibrated Vernier caliper. The combination of extracts at 100% concentration showed the highest antibacterial effect with a mean inhibition zone of 18.8 mm, while individual extracts of Cymbopogon citratus and Mentha piperita both showed inhibition zones of 16.1 mm. Statistical analysis using ANOVA revealed significant differences among groups (p < 0.05). The findings suggest that the combined use of Mentha piperita and Cymbopogon citratus hydroethanolic extracts exhibits enhanced antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans, indicating their potential as alternative agents for the prevention of dental caries.

Instituciones: Universidad Católica Los Ángeles de Chimbote