Inhibition of Glucosyltransferase enzyme of Streptococcus mutans by natural products- A Literature Review

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Conservative Dentistry department, Faculty of Dentistry, MSA University

2 Faculty of Dentistry, MSA university

3 Faculty of Dentistry, MSA University

4 Faculty of Biotechnology, MSA university

Abstract

Streptococcus mutans is acid producing, acid tolerant bacteria that is involved in the multifactorial process of dental caries. Streptococcus mutans is considered one of the most cariogenic bacteria of the oral flora capable of causing dental caries alone. This was attributed to its ability to produce extracellular polysaccharides that form the oral biofilm through their glucosyltransferase enzymes. Scientists have searched for a method to selectively target these bacteria or their enzymes in an attempt to prevent caries occurrence. This was previously done through the use of artificial products as Chlorhexidine gluconate, however, most artificial products have undesirable side effects. Therefore, researchers are nowadays researching natural products for their antibacterial properties and their ability to inhibit glucosyltransferase enzymes of Streptococcus mutans without the unnecessary side effects. Hence, the aim of this literature review was to focus on the natural products and their ability to inhibit Streptococcus mutans and its glucosyltransferase enzyme.

Keywords

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics