Lippia origanoides derivatives in vitro evaluation on polymicrobial biofilms: Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Candida albicans
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Microbes
Microbes
Microbes, short for microorganisms, are tiny living organisms that are ubiquitous in the environment, including on and inside the human body. They play a crucial role in human health and disease, functioning within complex ecosystems in various parts of the body, such as the skin, mouth, gut, and respiratory tract. The human microbiome, which is […]
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Karen Pendergrass
What was studied?
The study investigated the antimicrobial effects of essential oils derived from the Colombian plant Lippia origanoides, specifically focusing on two terpenes, thymol and carvacrol, against polymicrobial biofilms of Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Candida albicans. The study also assessed the cytotoxic effects of these compounds on human skin keratinocytes (HaCaT) and periodontal ligament fibroblasts (FLP).
Who was studied?
The microorganisms studied were Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Candida albicans. Additionally, the effects of the compounds on human cell lines, specifically HaCaT keratinocytes and FLP fibroblasts, were evaluated to assess cytotoxicity.
What were the most important findings?
The study revealed several key findings regarding the effects of Lippia origanoides essential oils, especially those rich in thymol and carvacrol. These oils demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity, inhibiting and eradicating biofilms of the studied microorganisms, both in their formation and preformed states. Additionally, the essential oils were found to have a cytotoxic impact on HaCaT and FLP cell lines, comparable to that of chlorhexidine, indicating their effectiveness without increased toxicity. Furthermore, the oils effectively disrupted biofilm integrity, leading to a reduction in the number of microbial cells and the extracellular matrix.
What are the greatest implications of this study?
This study highlights the potential of natural compounds, specifically thymol and carvacrol from Lippia origanoides, as effective alternatives to traditional antimicrobials like chlorhexidine for treating oral biofilms without increasing cytotoxicity. These findings support further research into natural remedies that could combat microbial resistance and provide safer, cost-effective treatments for biofilm-associated infections. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of exploring the biodiversity of plants like Lippia origanoides for developing new therapeutic agents.