Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Flower Distilled Water Extract Antibacterial Activity towards Streptococcus mutans: An in vitro Study

Dental and oral health is an essential factor that must be considered because it affects general body health. Streptococcus mutans is known to be a cause of dental plaque formation. Dental plaque is a biofilm formed by microorganisms from solid substrate bonds exopolymer matrix. Fixed orthodontic treatment in its use impacts changes in the environment and composition of the oral flora, as well as increases the amount of plaque accumulation that causes damage to hard tissue and periodontal tissue. The aim of this study is to investigate the minimum concentration of compounds in Hibiscus Sabdariffa L. extract in inhibiting metabolic activity and killing S. mutans in vitro. Methods: This study was an in vitro, the experimental study with post-test only control group design. First, H. Sabdariffa L. flower extraction was carried out with the help of distilled water, and then serial dilution was carried out to obtain various concentrations of H. Sabdariffa L. flower extract. Several S. mutans cultures were then exposed to various concentrations of H. Sabdariffa L. flower, and then a colony count was performed in each culture to identify Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC). It was found that S. mutans had 0% growth at a concentration between 25% and 100%, and S. mutans had a growth of 7.1% / 92.9% growth inhibition of S. mutans at a concentration of 12.5%. MBC of roselle flower extract against S. mutans is 25% and MIC of roselle flower extract against S. mutans is 12.5%.