Antimicrobial activity of crude extract from Garcinia mangostana against selected oral pathogens

Abstract

Garcinia mangostana or mangosteen is a fruit plant found in South-East Asia. The extracts from its pericarp have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. One of its active ingredients, α-mangostin, exerts strong antimicrobial activity. The purpose of this study was to examine the antimicrobial activity of mangosteen pericarp crude extract against cariogenic (Streptococcus mutans) and periodontopathic bacteria (Porphyromonas gingivalis and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans). The mangosteen crude extract used in this study contained about 70-80% α mangostin. Results showed that mangosteen crude extract was as effective as purified α-mangostin in inhibiting the growth of S. mutans and P. gingivalis. Both MIC and MBC against S. mutans were 0.625 µg/ml which were comparable to those of chlorhexidine. The MIC and MBC against P. gingivalis were 20 and 40 µg/ml respectively, which were higher than those of chlorhexidine. The mangosteen extract did not have effects on the growth of A. actinomycetemcomitans. Time-kill assays Showed that mangosteen crude extract at 2.5 µg/ml completely inactivated S. mutans in 90 minutes. At 80 µg/ml, it completely killed P. gingivalis in 30 minutes. The antimicrobial activity of mangosteen extract against oral pathogenic bacteria makes it a promising new agent in prevention or treatment of dental caries and periodontal diseases.