Antimicrobial Potential of a Raspberry-Sesame Root Herbal Formulation: An in vitro Study Targeting Oral Mucositis

Background

Cancer patients frequently experience oral mucositis and oral candidiasis, which are frequently associated with oral pathogens like Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans. The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance to conventional antibiotics necessitates the exploration of effective natural alternatives. Sesame (Sesamum indicum) and raspberries (Rubus idaeus) are rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial qualities. The purpose of this study was to assess the antimicrobial efficacy of a herbal formulation made from extracts of sesame and raspberry roots against Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans, which may be useful in the treatment of oral candidiasis and mucositis.

Materials and Methods

Sesame root and raspberry powder were used to create an aqueous herbal formulation. The agar well diffusion method was used to measure antimicrobial activity at concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 µg. Amoxicillin (Amoxyrite) was utilized as the standard control, and Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans were employed as test organisms. Zones of inhibition were measured, and Dunnett's multiple comparisons test and ANOVA were used for statistical analysis.

Results

The antimicrobial effect of the herbal formulation against both pathogens was dose-dependent. At a concentration of 100 µg, the maximum zone of inhibition (16 mm) was seen, indicating activity that was either equal to or greater than that of the conventional antibiotic. Highly significant differences between the herbal formulation and the standard were found by statistical analysis (p<0.0001).

Conclusion

The herbal formulation containing sesame root and raspberries showed strong antimicrobial activity against common oral pathogens. These results point to its potential as a natural substitute antimicrobial agent for oral infections, which calls for additional in vivo and clinical testing.