Journal of Dental Research, Vol 67, 51-55, Copyright © 1988 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals

ARTICLES

Gallotannins inhibit growth, water-insoluble glucan synthesis, and aggregation of mutans streptococci

C. D. Wu-Yuan, C. Y. Chen and R. T. Wu
Department of Biological Sciences, Chicago State University, Illinois 60628, USA.

During screening for anti-plaque agents of plant origin, ethanolic extracts from Melaphis chinensis (Bell), the Chinese Nutgall, exhibited strong inhibition of glucosyltransferase (GTF), in vitro adherence and glucan-induced agglutination of Streptococcus mutans 3209 and S. sobrinus B13. More than 91% inhibition of water-insoluble glucan synthesis from sucrose by GTF was noted at a concentration as low as 7.8 micrograms/mL. Bactericidal effects on other mutans streptococci, S. salivarius, and Actinomyces viscosus were also evident. Through chemical fractionation and analyses, along with bioassays, the active components were identified as gallotannins.

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