Saussurea lappa inhibits the growth, acid production, adhesion, and water-insoluble glucan synthesis of Streptococcus mutans.

In the present study, inhibitory effects of the ethanol extract of Saussurea lappa (S. lappa) on the growth, acid production, adhesion, and water-insoluble glucan synthesis of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) were examined. The growth and acid production of Streptococcus mutans were inhibited by the presence of ethanol extract of Saussurea lappa (0.5-4 mg/ml) significantly. The ethanol extract of Saussurea lappa (0.25-4 mg/ml) also significantly lowered the adherence of Streptococcus mutans in a dose dependent manner. In water-insoluble glucan synthesis assay, 2-4 mg/ml of the ethanol extract of Saussurea lappa significantly inhibited the formation of water-insoluble glucan. These results suggest that Saussurea lappa may inhibit the caries-inducing properties of Streptococcus mutans. Further studies are necessary to clarify the active constituents of Saussurea lappa responsible for such biomolecular activities.