Fatty Acid Evaluation and Antimicrobial Activity of Virgin Coconut Oil and Activated Virgin Coconut Oil on Streptococcus mutans
10.21315/aos2019.14.2.359
- Author:
Ummi Aqilah Haron
1
Author Information
1. Department of Biotechnology, Kulliyyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia, Bandar Indera Mahkota, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
- Collective Name:Nor Izzah Mukhtar; Muhammad Nor Omar; Zurainie Abllah
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Activated virgin coconut oil;
antimicrobial activity;
fatty acids;
GC-MS analysis;
virgin coconut oil.
- From:Archives of Orofacial Sciences
2019;14(2):87-98
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
For decades, coconut oil was reported to possess a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity due to its
abundant fatty acid’s contents. Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) has been strongly implicated as the main
etiological factor in dental caries. Regardless of the ongoing medical advances, the therapeutic resources
for dental caries remain ineffectual, and this has led to renewed interest in using virgin coconut oil
(VCO) as a possible choice for dental caries control. In this study, the ability of VCO and activated
virgin coconut oil (AVCO) combatting cariogenic S. mutans ATCC 25175 has been evaluated. Fatty
acids contents were compared through gas chromatography-mass spectrum (GC-MS) analysis, and their
antimicrobial activity was determined using disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)
test. From the GC-MS analysis, AVCO (59%) was found to have a slightly higher medium-chain fatty
acids (MCFA) as compared to VCO (54.1%), and the long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) contents in VCO
(45.9%) was found to be higher than AVCO (41%). Interestingly, S. mutans ATCC 25175 was found to
be susceptible towards AVCO (MIC: 6.24 mg/ml) and resistance towards VCO in vitro. The excellent
antimicrobial activity of AVCO as a result from (i) the release of individuals fatty acids after activation
of VCO by lipase digestion and (ii) the present of MCFA and LCFA that are significant in antimicrobial
activity. Further study can be designed to specifically examine the activity of individuals fatty acids
present in oils against S.mutans virulence genes/protein using molecular dynamic assessment.
- Full text:2.2019my01761.pdf
