Dental infection is being considered as one of the six most widespread non-communicable diseases throughout the world. Berberis aquifolium have shown positive antimicrobial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory actions in several microbial studies. So, this study was conducted to determine the antimicrobial efficacy of B. aquifolium against dental biofilm forming Streptococcus mutans and common oral pathogens.
The dental caries samples were collected from 5 patients of age group 7-35yrs from Kottayam Dist., Kerala, under aseptic condition. All the collected plate samples were cultured on nutrient, blood and Mitis Salivary Agar plates and colonies were counted. Microbial species were identified on the basis of morphological and biochemical studies. Microbiological assay (agar well diffusion method and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) to determine inhibition zone against oral pathogens were performed. Thus this study concluded that the ethanolic extracts of B. aquifolium showed significant MIC against S. mutans, Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa compared to that of standard drug.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1 Objective of the Study
- 2. Review of Literature
- 2.1 Teeth and its structure
- 2.2 Pathogenicity of dental infection
- 2.3 Dental caries
- 2.4 Microbial etiology of caries
- 2.5 Treatment of caries
- 3. Materials and Methods
- 3.1 Chemicals
- 3.2 Preparation of powdered form of Homeopathic mother tinctures (HMT)
- 3.3 Collection of dental caries samples
- 3.4 Isolation and screening of bacteria
- 3.5 Morphological and biochemical identification of isolates
- 3.6 Identification of Streptococcal Isolates
- 3.7 Physical characterization
- 3.8 Biochemical characterization
- 3.9 Anti-microbial screening of extracts
- 3.10 MIC determination
- 4. Results
- 4.1 Isolation of bacteria from plaque samples based on their colony morphology
- 4.2 Biochemical identification of Colony 2
- 4.3 Biochemical identification of Colony 8
- 4.4 Biochemical identification of Colony 9
- 4.5 Identification of Colony 1 (budding Yeast cells) by Germ tube assay
- 4.6 Screening of DMSO (Negative control) and standard drugs (Positive control)
- 4.7 Inhibitory effects of B. aquifolium against dental biofilm producers and normal dental
- 4.8 Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of B. aquifolium against dental pathogens
- 5. Discussion
- 6. Summary and Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial effect of Berberis aquifolium homeopathic mother tincture against biofilm-forming bacteria from dental plaque. The research explores the potential of this homeopathic preparation as a treatment option for dental infections.
- Antibacterial properties of Berberis aquifolium homeopathic mother tincture.
- Effectiveness against biofilm-forming bacteria in dental plaque.
- Identification and characterization of bacteria isolated from dental plaque samples.
- Determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the tincture.
- Comparison of the tincture's effectiveness with standard antimicrobial agents.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the study's background, highlighting the prevalence of dental infections and the limitations of current treatment options. It establishes the rationale for investigating the potential of Berberis aquifolium homeopathic mother tincture as an alternative or complementary therapy. The chapter sets the stage by outlining the overall research objective—to assess the antibacterial efficacy of this homeopathic preparation against biofilm-forming bacteria associated with dental plaque. It also briefly introduces the methodology used in the subsequent investigation.
2. Review of Literature: This section provides a comprehensive overview of existing knowledge regarding dental structure, the pathogenesis of dental infections, the etiology and treatment of dental caries. It lays the foundation for the current research by exploring the established understanding of dental microorganisms and their role in biofilm formation, which causes the infections. This review supports the study's hypothesis by positioning the research within the broader context of current understanding and treatment challenges in dentistry.
3. Materials and Methods: This chapter details the methodology employed in the study, including the preparation of the Berberis aquifolium homeopathic mother tincture, the collection and processing of dental plaque samples, isolation and identification of bacteria, and the antimicrobial susceptibility testing. This comprehensive description of materials and methods is crucial for ensuring reproducibility and transparency within the scientific community. The clarity and detail of this section are fundamental for critically evaluating the study's findings and their validity.
4. Results: This chapter presents the findings of the study, reporting the identification of bacterial isolates from dental plaque samples, and the results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing, including the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. The results section includes detailed descriptions of the various tests performed, the identification of bacteria involved (e.g., via biochemical tests), and a presentation of data illustrating the inhibitory effects of Berberis aquifolium against different bacterial species. A clear presentation of data and methodologies is essential for proper interpretation and validation of the findings.
5. Discussion: This chapter is expected to discuss the results of the study, comparing findings with those of previous research and exploring potential implications. It will likely involve interpretation of the data and will also discuss limitations of the study and suggestions for future research. (Note: The provided text does not contain the content of Chapter 5).
Keywords
Berberis aquifolium, homeopathy, dental plaque, biofilm, antibacterial activity, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), dental caries, bacterial identification, antimicrobial susceptibility.
Frequently Asked Questions: Antibacterial Effect of Berberis Aquifolium on Dental Biofilm
What is the main focus of this study?
This study investigates the antibacterial effect of Berberis aquifolium homeopathic mother tincture against biofilm-forming bacteria found in dental plaque. The research explores its potential as a treatment for dental infections.
What are the key objectives of the research?
The study aims to determine the antibacterial properties of Berberis aquifolium homeopathic mother tincture, assess its effectiveness against biofilm-forming bacteria in dental plaque, identify and characterize bacteria isolated from dental plaque, determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the tincture, and compare its effectiveness with standard antimicrobial agents.
What methods were used in this study?
The study involved preparing Berberis aquifolium homeopathic mother tincture, collecting and processing dental plaque samples, isolating and identifying bacteria from these samples (including morphological and biochemical identification, and identification of Streptococcal Isolates using Germ tube assay), and performing antimicrobial susceptibility testing, including MIC determination. The study also included physical and biochemical characterization of isolates.
What bacteria were identified in the dental plaque samples?
The provided text details the identification process but doesn't explicitly list all bacteria identified. The report mentions the isolation and biochemical identification of specific colonies (Colony 2, Colony 8, Colony 9) and the identification of Colony 1 as a budding yeast cell. Further details on the identified bacteria are found within the results section of the study.
What were the results of the antimicrobial susceptibility testing?
The results section details the inhibitory effects of Berberis aquifolium against dental biofilm producers and normal dental flora, along with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for the tincture against various dental pathogens. Specific numerical data on MIC values and inhibitory effects are presented in the results chapter.
What is the significance of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)?
The MIC represents the lowest concentration of the Berberis aquifolium tincture that inhibits the growth of the tested bacteria. This value is crucial for determining the effectiveness and potency of the tincture as an antimicrobial agent.
What are the key themes explored in the study?
Key themes include the antibacterial properties of Berberis aquifolium, its efficacy against dental biofilm, the characterization of bacteria in dental plaque, and the determination of MIC values. The study also explores the potential of homeopathy as a treatment option for dental infections.
What are the limitations of the study?
The provided text doesn't detail the study's limitations, but a full report would typically include a discussion of limitations and suggestions for future research. This information is expected to be found in chapter 5 (Discussion).
Where can I find more detailed information on this study?
The full research report contains the detailed results, discussion, and conclusions. The text provided here only includes a preview of the study.
What are the keywords associated with this study?
Keywords include: Berberis aquifolium, homeopathy, dental plaque, biofilm, antibacterial activity, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), dental caries, bacterial identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility.
- Quote paper
- Dr RATHEESH MOHANAN (Author), Dr Nirmal Ghosh (Author), Sulumol Thomas (Author), Sheethal Sreevallabhan (Author), Svenia Jose (Author), Asha Sukumarapillai (Author), Parvathy UJ (Author), Dr Sandya Sukumaran (Author), Sony Rajan (Author), 2021, Antibacterial Effect of Berberis Aquifolium Homeopathic Mother Tincture against Biofilm Formers from Dental Plaque, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/986994
