Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Biofilm Activities of Hopea ferrea Stembark Extract against Cariogenic Bacterium

Authors

  • Nurul ‘Izzah Mohd Sarmin Centre of Preclinical Science Studies, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sungai Buloh Campus, Jalan Hospital 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Fatin Azfareena Mohd Haris Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Nur Raihan Aqilah Mohammad Azmin Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Juliana Yusoff Atta-ur-Rahman Institute for Natural Product Discovery (AuRIns), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Selangor Branch, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Isna Athirah Othman Atta-ur-Rahman Institute for Natural Product Discovery (AuRIns), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Selangor Branch, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24191/cos.v12i2.8838

Keywords:

Hopea ferrea, anti-bacterial, anti-biofilm, cariogenic bacterium

Abstract

Dental caries, caused by enamel-adherent cariogenic bacteria breaking down sugars into acid, gradually demineralizes tooth structure. Cariogenic biofilms contribute significantly to antibiotic resistance, treatment failure, increased morbidity, and rising healthcare costs. Hence, research is exploring strategies to interrupt biofilm formation and bacterial communication, aiming to modify the microbial pathogenic cycle. This interest is supported by studies on Hopea ferrea's therapeutic potential due to its secondary compounds like flavonoids, phenols, and tannins. Objectives: The main objective of the present study is to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and anti-biofilm activity of H. ferrea extract against cariogenic bacteria namely Streptococcus mutans. Method: This study used a Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) medium for growing bacterium S. mutans. Antimicrobial activity was tested by growing bacteria on agar plates and in broth cultures. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were determined following standard procedures. Biofilms were grown in 24-well plates, and their biomass was assessed using a crystal violet stain. Finally, data was analyzed using GraphPad Prism. Results: The results showed that the MIC and MBC results of the H. ferrea extract against S. mutans were at of 2.5 mg/mL. Anti-biofilm activity of the extract using crystal violet assay showed significant reduction of the biomass at 2.5 and 1.25 mg/mL (p<0.01). However, biofilm reduction on the biomass was not significant on formed biofilm. Conclusion: The anti-biofilm activity of H. ferrea extract against S. mutans suggests its potential as a promising candidate for further development as a natural anti-biofilm agent in dentistry.

References

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Published

2025-09-01

How to Cite

Mohd Sarmin, N. ‘Izzah, Mohd Haris, F. A., Mohammad Azmin, N. R. A., Yusoff, J., & Othman, I. A. (2025). Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Biofilm Activities of Hopea ferrea Stembark Extract against Cariogenic Bacterium. Compendium of Oral Science, 12(2), 154–163. https://doi.org/10.24191/cos.v12i2.8838

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 2 (2025): Compendium of Oral Science

Section

Original Article

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