Abstract
Background: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with polymicrobial infection involving several representative periodontopathogenic bacteria. In selected clinical situations, adjunctive antimicrobial agents may be used to enhance mechanical treatment outcomes. Red betel leaf (Piper crocatum) has been traditionally recognized for its antibacterial properties and may serve as a plant-based alternative antimicrobial agent.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of Piper crocatum extract preparations against representative periodontopathogenic bacteria.
Methods: This in vitro experimental study evaluated the antibacterial activity of Piper crocatum extract preparations against Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. Antibacterial testing was performed using the agar dilution method at extract concentrations of 0.78%, 1.56%, 3.12%, 6.25%, 12.5%, 25%, 50%, and 100% w/w. MIC was defined as the lowest concentration that prevented visible bacterial growth, while MBC was defined as the lowest concentration showing no bacterial growth following subculture.
Results: The results showed concentration-dependent antibacterial activity against all tested bacteria. No visible bacterial growth (MIC) was first observed at 12.5% w/w, and complete absence of bacterial growth (MBC) was achieved at 25% w/w for all bacterial species.
Conclusion: Piper crocatum extract preparations demonstrated antibacterial activity against the tested periodontopathogenic bacteria, supporting their potential for further development as a plant-based adjunctive antimicrobial formulation in periodontal therapy.