The Improvement Effect of Lespedeza Cuneata Extract on Oral Health Care

Abstract

This study was to confirm the antimicrobial effect of Lespedeza cuneata extract against Candida albicans (C. albicans) and to determine its effect on the cells of typical human keratinocytes (HaCaT). Dried Lespedeza cuneata was percolated in 70% ethanol, and Lespedeza cuneata extract was applied to C. albicans at concentrations of 0 mg/ml, 10 mg/ml, 20 mg/ml, and 30 mg/ml. After 6h and 24h, the colony-forming units (CFUs) were evaluated. HaCaT cells were treated and then cultured at 37 C in 5% CO2 incubator for 6h and 24h. Subsequently, water soluble tetrazolium salt (WST-1) was analyzed. Bacterial proliferation was measured in CFU. The application of Lespedeza cuneata extract to C. albicans has an antimicrobial effect. The antibacterial effect was evident with increasing concentration and over time. A decrease in CFU was seen in 10 mg/ml, and it was not statistically significant. Meanwhile, there was a statistically significant difference between the 6h and 24h results for 20 mg/ml (P < 0.05).  After reacting for 2h, the growth rate was measured and cell viability of HaCaT cells decreased as the concentration of Lespedeza cuneata extract increased. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 10 mg/ml against HaCaT cells that normally inhabit the oral epithelial mucosa has remedial or preventive effects when it is applied to the oral cavity. Lespedeza cuneata extract has shown a significant antibacterial effect when it is applied the 10 mg/ml in the prevention, improvement, or treatment of oral diseases.