Chemical composition, cytotoxicity, antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and anti-quorum sensing potential of Mentha Piperita essential oil against the oral pathogen Streptococcus mutans

• Published in: Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A Vol. 87; no. 20; pp. 824 - 835
• Main Authors: Quintana Soares Lopes, Leonardo, Fortes Guerim, Pedro Henrique, Maldonado, Maria Eduarda, Wagner, Roger, Hadlich Xavier, Ana Carolina, Gutknecht da Silva, Jean Lucas, Bittencourt da Rosa Leal, Daniella, de Freitas Daudt, Natália, Christ Vianna Santos, Roberto, Kolling Marquezan, Patrícia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 17-10-2024; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Anti-Bacterial Agents - pharmacology; Antimicrobial activity; Antimicrobial agents; Bacteria; biofilm; Biofilms; Biofilms - drug effects; Cell interactions; Chemical activity; Chemical analysis; Chemical communication; Chemical composition; Chlorhexidine; Cytotoxicity; cytotoxicity, anti-quorum sensing; Dental caries; Dental enamel; Essential oils; Exopolysaccharides; Humans; Keratinocytes; Mentha piperita; Mentha piperita - chemistry; Menthol; Menthone; microbial biofilm; Oils & fats; Oils, Volatile - chemistry; Oils, Volatile - pharmacology; Performance assessment; Plant Oils - chemistry; Plant Oils - pharmacology; Quorum sensing; Quorum Sensing - drug effects; Side effects; Streptococcus infections; Streptococcus mutans; Streptococcus mutans - drug effects; Synergistic effect; Teeth; Toxicity; cytotoxicity, anti-quorum sensing; Mentha piperita; Antimicrobial activity; microbial biofilm; biofilm; Streptococcus mutans
• ISSN: 1528-7394; 1087-2620; 2381-3504
• DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2024.2375731

Dental caries is a highly prevalent oral disease affecting billions of individuals globally. The disease occurs chemically as a result of breakdown of the tooth surface attributed to metabolic activity in colonizing biofilm. Biofilms, composed of exopolysaccharides and proteins, protect bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, which is notable for its role in tooth decay due to its acid-producing abilities. While various antimicrobial agents may prevent biofilm formation, these drugs often produce side effects including enamel erosion and taste disturbances. This study aimed to examine utilization of the Mentha piperita essential oil as a potential antibiofilm activity agent against S. mutans. M. piperita oil significantly (1) reduced bacterial biofilm, (2) exhibited a synergistic effect when combined with chlorhexidine, and (3) did not induce cell toxicity. Chemical analysis identified the essential oil with 99.99% certainty, revealing menthol and menthone as the primary components, constituting approximately 42% and 26%, respectively. Further, M. piperita oil eradicated preformed biofilms and inhibited biofilm formation at sub-inhibitory concentrations. M. piperita oil also interfered with bacterial quorum sensing communication and did not produce any apparent cell toxicity in immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT). M. piperita represented an alternative substance for combating S. mutans and biofilm formation and a potential combination option with chlorhexidine to minimize side effects. An in-situ performance assessment requires further studies.