ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF CINNAMON - CLOVE MEDIATED SILVER NANOPARTICLES AGAINST Streptococcus mutans

Background: Cinnamon and Clove have beneficial properties against oral pathogens. Streptococcus mutans is responsible for the onset of caries. Synthetic drugs have been exploited to the maximum and newer nanoparticles have taken over the research field in terms of medicine. Herbal extracts found abundantly need to be utilised more as they tend to have little or no side effect on human health.

Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of Cinnamon-Clove mediated Silver nanoparticles against Streptococcus mutans.

Materials and Methods: The herbal powders were procured. An aqueous extract was prepared and centrifuged after maximum activity was noted by UV spectroscopy. Various volumes of the Silver nanoparticles containing Cinnamon and Clove combinations were added into the inoculated culture plates. The zones of inhibition were calculated by disk diffusion method.

Results: Cinnamon-Clove mediated Silver nanoparticles have good antibacterial activity (10 mm-zone of inhibition) in their highest volume and this property was higher than a routinely used antibiotic (Amoxicillin-8 mm).

Conclusion: Cinnamon and Clove mediated Silver nanoparticles were studied and their wider zones of inhibition were suggestive of good antibacterial efficiency and this property was proven to be similar to an antibiotic. This new formulation can be incorporated into mouthwashes and probiotic lozenges for use against oral pathogens like Streptococcus mutans, which is positively associated with dental caries and periodontal problems.