Effect of Kaempferia parviflora on Streptococcus mutans Biofilm Formation and its Cytotoxicity

Streptococcus mutans is the most prevalent bacterial species isolated from the human oral cavity. Its ability to form biofilms is an important factor in the pathogenesis of dental caries. Thus, the search for new antimicrobial agents, especially from plants, has been intensified. Kaempferia parviflora has been the subject of research for many pharmacological and antimicrobial activities. In this study, we evaluated the effect of ethanolic extract of K. parviflora root (0.46, 0.94, 1.87, 3.75, 7.5, 15, and 30 mg/ml) on S. mutans KPSK2 biofilm formation using crystal violet assay. Cytotoxicity was determined according to 10993-5/2009 on human gingival fibroblast by MTT assay. The results showed that K. parviflora extract could inhibit biofilm formation to approximately 62-82% at the concentrations of 0.46-30 mg/ml. In the case of cytotoxicity, no cytotoxic potential was demonstrated at concentration of £ 7.5 mg/ml of K. parviflora. In conclusion, K. parviflora extract is a potentially useful anti-biofilm agent against caries-associated bacteria and could be used as adjunct to other caries preventive measures.