Selective activity of Streblus asper on Mutans streptococci.

The purpose of this in vivo one group time series design and single blind study was to determine the antimicrobial effectiveness of a mouthrinse containing Streblus asper leaf extract on Streptococcus mutans and total salivary bacteria following single 60 s rinse. Changing in salivary pH and buffer capacity during the experimental period were also measured. Thirty human subjects participated in this study. At each experimental session, a pretest saliva sample was taken. After giving the pretest samples, the subjects rinsed with S. asper leaf extract or distilled water control for 60 s, then the post-test saliva samples were collected at 0, 0.5, 1, 3, 5 and 6 h. The samples were used to determine the numbers of S. mutans and total salivary bacteria. The results indicated that S. asper leaf extract significantly reduced S. mutans counts compared with distilled water. However, the mean difference from baseline of total salivary bacterial counts was not significantly different between rinsing with S. asper leaf extract and distilled water. Moreover, S. asper leaf extract showed no effects in modifying the salivary pH and buffer capacity. It is concluded that of mouthrinse containing S. asper leaf extract can reduce S. mutans without changing an oral ecology.