Antimicrobial and phytochemical screening of Olea europaea Linn. extracts against dental pathogens

Dental caries is a common disease in human population which has a multifactorial etiology. The present study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial efficacy of various extracts of Olea europaea against six bacterial pathogens [Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus sanguinis, Staphylococcus sobrinus, Staphylococcus salivarius, Lactobacillus acidophilus and one fungi (Candida albicans)]. Plant material was crushed and extracted in petroleum ether, acetone, methanol and aqueous through successive method by using Soxhlet apparatus. The antimicrobial activity of extracts was examined by agar well diffusion method at 200 mg/ml sample concentration and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) by two fold serial dilution method. Ofloxacin was used as positive control to determine the sensitivity of the strains. The results show that methanol extract was more active than other extracts in its antimicrobial activity. The zone of inhibition exhibited by methanol extract against tested microorganisms ranged between 13.6±0.28 to 20.6±0.28 mm, respectively. Phytoconstituents analysis of plant extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, steroids, tannins, terpenoids and saponins. The results validate the traditional uses of O. europaea in treatment of dental diseases. Key words: Antimicrobial activity, agar well diffusion method, dental pathogens, Olea europaea.