ANTIMICROBIAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF GUAVA AND NEEM YOUNG STEMS USED AS LOCAL CHEW STICKS ON COMMON DENTAL CARIES ORGANISMS; LACTOBACILLUS SP. AND STREPTOCOCCUS SP.

ENEJE, LOVINA IFUNANYA (2026) ANTIMICROBIAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF GUAVA AND NEEM YOUNG STEMS USED AS LOCAL CHEW STICKS ON COMMON DENTAL CARIES ORGANISMS; LACTOBACILLUS SP. AND STREPTOCOCCUS SP. Other thesis, Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu.

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Abstract

Dental caries (tooth decay) is a prevalent oral health problem caused mainly by bacteria such as Streptococcus spp. and Lactobacillus spp. Growing resistance to conventional antibiotics has increased interest in plant-based alternatives. This study examined the antibacterial activity of ethanol extracts from the twigs of Guava and Neem against bacteria associated with dental caries. French guava and neem twigs were collected, dried, and extracted using ethanol. Bacteria were isolated from oral samples and identified through standard microbiology, biochemical, and molecular methods. Phytochemical screening was performed to identify the bioactive compounds present in the extracts. Antibacterial activity was tested using the agar well diffusion method, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), the lowest concentration needed to prevent bacterial growth, was determined by broth dilution. Phytochemical screening revealed alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids, and steroids, in both extracts, with tannins and saponins found exclusively in neem extract. Both extracts showed antibacterial activity against the test organisms. Neem extract performed better overall, producing inhibitory zone of 22mm against Streptococcus spp., and 21mm against Lactobacillus spp., compared to 19mm and 18mm for guava extract. MIC values ranged from 6.25 to 25 mg/ml across all isolates. These results suggest that ethanol extracts of neem and guava twigs have notable antibacterial properties against dental caries-causing bacteria, with neem showing stronger activity. This supports their potential as natural, affordable alternatives for dental caries prevention and management.

Item Type: Thesis (Other)
Subjects: Q Science > Q Science (General)
Divisions: Faculty of Natural Sciences and Environmental Studies
Depositing User: MICHAEL MADUBUKO
Date Deposited: 06 Aug 2026 13:24
Last Modified: 06 Aug 2026 13:24
URI: http://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/id/eprint/6213

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