The Antibacterial Properties of Euphorbia Tirucalli Stem Extracts against Dental Caries-Related Bacteria

Euphorbia  tirucalli  are  reported  to  possess  antibacterial  activity  against  various microorganisms. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial properties of Euphorbia  tirucalli  stems  extracts  (methanol,  ethanol  and  aqueous  extracts) against  dental  caries-related  bacteria,  i.e. Streptococcus    mutans  (S.  mutans)  and Streptococcus sobrinus (S. sobrinus). The antibacterial properties were determined using agar-well diffusion method at different extract concentrations (10, 20 and 30 mg/ml).  Commercially  available  amoxicillin  (10 μg)  was  used  as  positive  control while  the  appropriate  solvent  served  as  negative  control.  The  methanolic  and ethanolic extracts of Euphorbia tirucalli stem were found to be effective against S. mutans and S. sobrinus. However, the aqueous extract of Euphorbia tirucalli stem showed no activity against both bacterial strains. The differences in the antibacterial properties in different extracts of Euphorbia tirucalli may be due to the differences in phytochemical constituents.