Hydroethanolic Grape Seed Extract against Streptococcus mutans: a Natural Alternative to Chlorhexidine

Anaya-Caillahua Y.N.; Moreno-Prieto V.; del Pilar Chiong-Lam L.; Silva-Aroni H.F.; Mendoza-Lupuche R. · Revista Medica Electronica (2026)

Resumen

Introduction: Dental caries is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide, closely linked to the action of Streptococcus mutans. This has generated growing interest in natural alternatives to conventional antimicrobials. Objective: To evaluate the antibacterial effect of hydroethanolic grape seed (Vitis vinifera) extract at 75% and 100% against S. mutans ATCC 25175, comparing it with 0.12% chlorhexidine using agar diffusion method. Methods: Hydroethanolic extracts were prepared from seeds collected in Ica, Peru. Twenty Mueller-Hinton agar plates were inoculated with S. mutans, and 40 μL of 75% and 100% extract, 0.12% chlorhexidine, and saline solution as negative control. Zones of inhibition were measured at 24, 48, and 72 hours. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Bonferroni test (p<0.05). Results: The 100% extract showed significantly larger inhibition zones than the 75% extract at all times (p<0.001), with efficacy comparable to 0.12% chlorhexidine at 24 and 72 hours. Negative control showed no antibacterial activity. Conclusions: The 100% hydroethanolic extract of grape seed presented dose-dependent antibacterial activity against S. mutans, with results similar to chlorhexidine. These findings support its potential as a natural alternative in the prevention of dental caries, although additional clinical studies are required to confirm its effectiveness. Los artículos de Revista Médica Electrónica de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Matanzas se comparten bajo los términos de la Licencia Creative Commons Atribución- NoComercial 4.0.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal