In vitro antibacterial effect of Moringa oleifera on bacteria associated with caries and periodontal disease

Rivera Paima J.C.; Reátegui Navarro M.A.; Vargas Cornejo H.M.; Jiménez Prado C.A.; Guillén Galarza M.F. · Revista Cubana de Medicina Militar (2026)

Resumen

Introduction: Dental caries and periodontal disease are prevalent public health problems associated with Streptococcus mutans and Fusobacterium nucleatum. The increasing bacterial resistance to conventional antimicrobials is driving the search for natural alternatives such as Moringa oleifera, a plant recognized for its medicinal properties Objective: To evaluate the in vitro antibacterial effect of the hydroethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera on the growth of Streptococcus mutans and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Methods: An in vitro experimental study was conducted using 102 Petri dishes inoculated with certified strains (S. mutans ATCC® 25175 and F. nucleatum ATCC® 25586). Extracts at concentrations of 50%, 75%, and 100% were evaluated by agar diffusion (inhibition zones) and macrodilution in tubes (minimum inhibitory concentration). PerioAid® was used as a positive control and distilled water as a negative control. Results: For S. mutans, the inhibition zones were 15.2 mm (50%), 16.3 mm (75%), and 20.5 mm (100%), compared to 25 mm for the control. The minimum inhibitory concentration was 0 CFU/mL at all concentrations. For F. nucleatum, the zones were 9.9 mm (50%), 11.3 mm (75%), and 12,4 mm (100%), compared to 25.1 mm for the control. The minimum inhibitory concentration was 3.32 × 102 CFU/mL at 50% and 0 CFU/mL at 75% and 100%. Conclusions: The hydroethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera shows antibacterial activity in vitro against S. mutans and F. nucleatum, with greater effectiveness at high concentrations, suggesting its potential in the prevention of oral diseases.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de Trujillo