Invitro antibacterial activity of acacia catechu ethanolic leaf extract against selected acidogenic oral bacteria

Background: The background of our study is to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity of ethanolic leaf extract of Acacia catechu against streptococcus mutans,streptococcus mitis,streptococcus salivarius and streptococcus sobrinus. Materials and Methods: The inhibitory effect of the extract were tested against selected acidogenic oral bacteria like streptococcus mutans,streptococcus salivarius,streptococcus mitis,streptococcus sobrinus that causes dental plaque in fixed appliances patients undergoing orthodontic treatment by using the broth culture method. Results: The ethanolic leaf extract of Acacia catechu exhibited antibacterial activity against streptococcus mutans and streptococcus mitis with minimum bactericidal concentration of 62μg/ml and 5mg/ml against streptococcus salivarius and,streptococcus sobrinus respectively. Conclusion: The ethanolic leaf extract of Acacia catechu is found to be bactericidal in action against tested bacterial strains.