Study the antimicrobial effects of Zataria multiflora-based mouthwash on the microbial community of dental plaques isolated from children: A candidate of novel plant-based mouthwash

Abstract

Background: Zataria multiflora is a medicinal plant with high antimicrobial effects. It is mainly used as an oral specie in food. The present survey was aimed to assess the antimicrobial effects of Z. multiflora-based mouthwash on the microbial community of dental plaques. Methods: Two-hundred dental plaque samples were collected from individuals. Culture technique was used to assess their microbial contamination. Z. multiflora was collected and use in a base of mouthwash in 1 concentration. Antimicrobial effects of Z. multiflora-based mouthwash was examined against isolated bacteria and compared to antibiotic agents using the disk diffusion. Minimum inhibitory concentration of Z. multiflora-based mouthwash was also studied against isolated bacteria. Results: Streptococcus mutans (19), Enterobacter cloacea (17.50), and Staphylococcus aureus (15) were the most commonly identified bacteria amongst the dental plaque samples. H. pylori (8) had the lowest prevalence. The mean ranges of the diameter of the growth inhibition zones were 5.71 +/- 0.92 (S. aureus against tetracycline) to 15.68 +/- 0.55 (S. mutans against azithromycin) mm. Z. multiflora mouthwash (1) harbored the highest antimicrobial effects against S. mujtans (15.33 +/- 0.81 mm), and S. aureus (12.01 +/- 1.10 mm), while showed the lowest against E. coli (8.38 +/- 0.46 mm) and E. cloacea (10.52 +/- 0.84 mm). The lowest MIC levels were obtained for S. mutans (2 mg/ml). The highest MIC level was found for E. cloacea (8 mg/ml). The MIC levels of Z. multiflora mouthwash against E. coli and H. pylori bacteria were higher than examined concentrations. Conclusion: Z. multiflora-based mouthwash may be a useful herbal-based mouthwash against bacteria in dental plaque samples.