Exploring the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of Chelidonium majus extracts against oral microorganisms

Chelidonium majus (Papaveraceae) is a widely utilized medicinal plant species known for its various effective biological activities. This study investigated the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of C. majus against oral microorganisms. To assess its biological activities, C. majus fractions were obtained using 80% methanol, n-hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), n-butanol (BuOH), and water. Antioxidant assays, including DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging tests, as well as total polyphenol and flavonoid content determination, were conducted. Notably, the EtOAc fraction exhibited the highest antioxidant activity than that of the other fractions, both in terms of DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities. Furthermore, it contained the highest contents of phenolic and flavonoid compounds in the EtOAc extract (212.00 mg CAE/g, 135.70 mg NE/g). In addition, antimicrobial assays using various antimicrobial tests against oral microorganisms, namely S. mutans, S. gordonii, S. sobrinus, and S. sanguinis, were conducted to investigate the antibacterial effect, revealing that the EtOAc fraction showed the greatest inhibition. Furthermore, LC-MS analysis of the EtOAc fraction identified biologically active compounds, including phenolic compounds such as fisetin, quercetin, and coumaroylimalic acid. Based on these findings, C. majus, with its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, is a promising candidate for improving oral health. •The antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Chelidonium majus were assessed.•The EtOAc extract of Chelidonium majus exhibited the highest antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.•Phytochemicals analysis of the EtOAc extract of Chelidonium majus was performed.•Chelidonium majus has the potential to be used as a natural product to improve oral health.