Inhibitory effect of the essential oil of Schinus molle L. against pathogens causing periodontal disease

Introduction: There are several oral diseases caused by various microorganisms. In this work, we discuss periodontal pathogens, which cause chronic degenerative damage in the supporting tissues of teeth. This is why several treatments have been developed for their eradication, including phytocomponents and essential oils as an option in antimicrobial therapy. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the inhibitory effect of the essential oil of the plant species Schinus molle L. native to Ecuador on strain of Porphyromonas gingivalis at different concentrations. Methodology: This was a laboratory and longitudinal study in which the Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277 strain was cultured in 20 Petri dishes, working with several exposure subgroups, including Group 1 - 50% essential oil of Schinus molle leaves; Group 2 - 100% essential oil of Schinus molle L.; Group 3 - 0.12% chlorhexidine (positive control); Group 4 - saline solution (negative control) with different incubation periods of 24 and 72 hours. Results: The Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277 sample exposed to 100% plant species Schinus molle L. for 24 hours had an inhibition zone of 15 mm, demonstrating high sensitivity, and exposure for 72 hours produced a zone of 14 mm, also suggesting sensitivity. Exposure to S. molle L. at 50% for 24 hours produced a zone of inhibition of 9.65 mm, showing sensitivity; however, it is worthwhile to continue developing and evaluating this area of study.Conclusions: This study demonstrates that phytotherapy using the essential oil of the plant species Schinus molle L. represents a therapeutic option in cases of infections caused by Porphyromonas gingivalis.