Antimicrobial Activity of Methanol Extract from Ficus carica Leaves Against Oral Bacteria.

Author: Mi Ran JEONG ¹ ; Hye Young KIM ; Jeong Dan CHA
Author Information

1. Research Center of Bioactive Materials, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea.
Publication Type:Original Article
Keywords: Ficus carica (fig); Antibacterial activity; MIC/MBC; Synergistic
MeSH: Ampicillin; Bacteria; Carica; Digestion; Ficus; Fruit; Gentamicins; Inflammation; Korea; Methanol; Morus; Trees; Ulcer
From:Journal of Bacteriology and Virology 2009;39(2):97-102
CountryRepublic of Korea
Language:English
Abstract: Ficus carica L. (fig) belongs to the mulberry tree (Moraceae) which is one of the oldest fruits in the world. It has been used as a digestion promoter and a cure for ulcerative inflammation and eruption in Korea. The present study investigated the antimicrobial activity of methanol (MeOH) extract of figs against oral bacteria. The MeOH extract (MICs, 0.156 to 5 mg/ml; MBCs, 0.313 to 5 mg/ml) showed a strong antibacterial activity against oral bacteria. The combination effects of MeOH extract with ampicillin or gentamicin were synergistic against oral bacteria. We suggest that figs could be employed as a natural antibacterial agent in oral care products.