Euphorbia tirucalli are reported to possess antibacterial activity against various
microorganisms. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial properties
of Euphorbia tirucalli stems extracts (methanol, ethanol and aqueous extracts)
against dental caries-related bacteria, i.e. Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and
Streptococcus sobrinus (S. sobrinus). The antibacterial properties were determined
using agar-well diffusion method at different extract concentrations (10, 20 and 30
mg/ml). Commercially available amoxicillin (10 µg) was used as positive control
while the appropriate solvent served as negative control. The methanolic and ethanolic extracts of Euphorbia tirucalli stem were found to be effective against S.
mutans and S. sobrinus. However, the aqueous extract of Euphorbia tirucalli stem
showed no activity against both bacterial strains. The differences in the antibacterial
properties in different extracts of Euphorbia tirucalli may be due to the differences
in phytochemical constituents.