Effect of Sublethal Blue Light on Herbal Extract Activity Against Volatile Sulfide Compound Production by Fusobacterium nucleatum

Oral malodor is a common and disturbing condition affecting some 25% of adult population. In most cases, the malodor results from the activity of proteolytic oral bacteria such asFusobacterium nucleatum. In a previous study, we have shown that sublethal dosage of high ‐intensity blue light can induce cell membrane damage inFusobacterium nucleatum. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the resulting increased cell membrane permeability may increase the efficacy of antimalodor agents. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that sublethal blue light may increase the efficacy of antimalodor herbal extracts. AbstractPreviously, we have shown that sublethal exposure of blue light caused increased cell membrane permeability inFusobacterium nucleatum. The aim of the present study was to test the effect of this exposure on the activity of Lavender, Sage, Echinacea and Mastic gum extracts against volatile sulfide compound (VSC) production byFusobacterium nucleatum. Bacterial suspensions were pre ‐exposed to blue light (400–500 nm) bellow minimal inhibitory dosage (sub‐MID). Exposed and nonexposed samples were inoculated into test tubes containing growth medium, filtered saliva with or without herbal extracts. Following incubation, test tubes were tested for malodor production (odor j udge scores), VSC levels (OralChroma), salivary protein degradation (SDS‐PAGE) and bacterial cell membrane damage (fluorescence microscopy). Results showed that s...
Source: Photochemistry and Photobiology - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Research Article Source Type: research