Inhibitory effects of ethanolic, methanolic, and hydroalcoholic extracts of olive (Olea europaea) leaf on growth, acid production, and adhesion of Streptococcus mutans

Abstract

Background: Usage of chemical mouthwashes for controlling dental caries can end to some side
effects such as oral biological imbalance. Recently, using natural derivatives such as herbs, presented
to overcome such adverse effects. Due to antibacterial property of olive leaf extracts (Olea europaea),
this study conducted in order to evaluate bacteriocidal, anti‑acid production, and anti‑adhesion
effects of olive leaf ethanolic, methanolic, and hydroalcoholic extracts on Streptococcus mutans.
Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, nine strains of S. mutans (PTCC1683) were used.
Maceration methods were done in order to provide the olive leaf ethanolic, methanolic, and
hydroalcoholic extracts. The antibacterial activities evaluated by macrodilution and disc diffusion
method in different concentrations (3.25%–100%). Acid production and adhesion of bacterial strains
also were evaluated. The obtained data were analyzed by analysis of variance method using SPSS
software. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.
Results: The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration for
ethanolic, methanolic, and hydroalcoholic olive leaf extracts on S. mutans are 12%–25%, 50%–75%,
and 12%–25%, respectively. In addition, inhibition zone of S. mutans significantly increased in higher
concentration (ethanolic and methanolic extracts: P = 0.004; hydroalcoholic extract: P = 0.003). The
acid production and adhesion significantly decreased by increase in the concentration (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: In general, olive leaf ethanolic, methanolic, and hydroalcoholic extracts induce growth
inhibition, acid production, and adhesion of S. mutans. Consequently, it can be used as a natural
preservative in the food industry, as well as in the production of commercial products such as
chewing gum, chocolate, and toothpaste to prevent dental caries.