Cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity of mouthwash obtained from the extract of Libidibia ferrea Mart / Citotoxicidade e atividade antimicrobiana de enxaguatório bucal obtido do extrato de Libidibia ferrea Mart

Abstract

The aim of this research was to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity of a new mouthwash containing the extract of juca (Libidibia ferrea Mart.) against oral microorganisms. The dry plant extract was obtained by decoction of juca dried fruits in a hydroalcoholic solution (1:1, v/v) and submitted to a spray dryer appliance. The mouthwash formulations containing 1.0 % (w/v) of the dry extract were prepared with vehicle composed for: distilled water, sodium benzoate, saccharine, glycerin, Tween, mint essence and 10% sodium hydroxide. Chlorhexidine (0.12 %) and the vehicle were used as positive and negative control, respectively.  The oral rinsing formulations from juca were tested at baseline (day 0), 30 and 60 days after the preparation. The cytotoxicity of these formulations was evaluated by hemolysis (2 % (w/w) erythrocytes from Mus musculus mice) and cell culture (MRC-5) tests. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by microdilution against Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175), Streptococcus salivarius (ATCC 7073), Lactobacillus casei (ATCC 7469) and Candida albicans (DPUA 1706). The mouthwash from juca extract did not promote cytotoxic effect in human fibroblasts. This oral rinsing formulation presented antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi common from oral cavity. The mouthwash was considered efficient and safe for using as product of oral health under the conditions studied