Effectiveness of guava leaf steep water against the bacterial growth of S. mutans with microdillution method

Indonesia is famously known for its rich plant biodiversity with medicinal properties. Guava (Psidium guajava Linn.) is one of medicinal plants which can be used as alternative for treating diseases. Guava leaf contains flavonoids, saponins, and tannins, that can act as inhibitors against bacteria, antioxidants, and antibacterial. Numerous dental and oral diseases are caused by bacteria, one of which is dental caries. Principally, dental caries can be prevented by maintaining the oral cavity hygiene, chemically or mechanically, using antiseptics possessing antibacterial activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of guava leaves steep water against S. Mutans bacterium using microdilution method. The aim also included the investigation of inhibition concentration of guava leaves steep water. This research was experimental in nature, by using the guava leaves steep water as the sample with various concentrations (0.753%, 1.563%, 3.125%, 6.25%, 12.5%, 25%, 50%, 100%). S. Mutans was obtained from the laboratory of veterinary Universitas Syiah Kuala (Unsyiah). The results of this research revealed that the guava leaves steep water was effective in inhibiting S. Mutans with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 6.25% In conclusion, we would like to investigate the guava leaves steep water as a mouthwash in our research with a preclinical trial.