J Bacteriol Virol.  2009 Jun;39(2):97-102. 10.4167/jbv.2009.39.2.97.

Antimicrobial Activity of Methanol Extract from Ficus carica Leaves Against Oral Bacteria

• Jeong MR
• Kim HY
• Cha JD

• KMID: 1474169
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4167/jbv.2009.39.2.97

Abstract

Ficus carica L. (fig) belongs to the mulberry tree (Moraceae) which is one of the oldest fruits in the world. It has been used as a digestion promoter and a cure for ulcerative inflammation and eruption in Korea. The present study investigated the antimicrobial activity of methanol (MeOH) extract of figs against oral bacteria. The MeOH extract (MICs, 0.156 to 5 mg/ml; MBCs, 0.313 to 5 mg/ml) showed a strong antibacterial activity against oral bacteria. The combination effects of MeOH extract with ampicillin or gentamicin were synergistic against oral bacteria. We suggest that figs could be employed as a natural antibacterial agent in oral care products.

Keyword

Ficus carica (fig); Antibacterial activity; MIC/MBC; Synergistic

MeSH Terms

Ampicillin
Bacteria
Carica
Digestion
Ficus
Fruit
Gentamicins
Inflammation
Korea
Methanol
Morus
Trees
Ulcer
Ampicillin
Gentamicins
Methanol

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