Herb Of The Week - Helichrysum - Heli vs Strep?

[Guest guest]

This is an abstract of a study done to basically examine the

effectiveness of Helichrysum against a form of strep. I thought it was

interesting since we're talking about heli this week ..

 

*Smile*

Chris (list mom)

http://www.alittleolfactory.com

 

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Letters in Applied Microbiology

Volume 38 Issue 5 Page 423 - May 2004

doi:10.1111/j.1472-765X.2004.01509.x

 

http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/links/doi/10.1111/j.1472-765X.2004.0150

9.x/abs/

 

Modifications of hydrophobicity, in vitro adherence and cellular

aggregation of Streptococcus mutans by Helichrysum italicum extract

A. Nostro, M.A. Cannatelli, G. Crisafi, A.D. Musolino, F. Procopio and

V. Alonzo

 

Abstract

 

Aims: The purpose of the present study was to examine whether sublethal

concentrations of Helichrysum italicum extract could affect some of the

cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans.

 

Methods and Results: We studied the antibacterial activity of H.

italicum (ethanolic extract) against oral streptococci (Strep. mutans

ATCC 35668, Strep. salivarius ATCC 13419 and Strep. sanguis ATCC 10556)

and its influence on cell-surface hydrophobicity, in vitro

sucrose-dependent adherence to glass surface and cellular aggregation of

Strep. mutans. The results indicate that all streptococci were

susceptible to ethanolic extract with minimum inhibitory concentration

(MIC) values of 31.25-62.50 mu

<http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/na102/home/ACS/blackwell/journals/enti

ties/03BC.gif> g ml -

<http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/na102/home/ACS/blackwell/journals/enti

ties/script/2212.gif> 1. Sub-MIC concentrations of H. italicum

(7.81-31.25 mu

<http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/na102/home/ACS/blackwell/journals/enti

ties/03BC.gif> g ml -

<http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/na102/home/ACS/blackwell/journals/enti

ties/script/2212.gif> 1) reduced the hydrophobicity and the adherence

(almost 90%) to glass surface of Strep. mutans. The aggregation in the

presence of dextran T2000 was also affected.

 

Conclusion: The inhibitory activity of H. italicum extract on Strep.

mutans is worthy of further study.

 

Significance and Impact of the Study: There is considerable interest in

the use of natural compounds as alternative methods to control

undesirable micro-organisms.