Background: Mouthwashes are used to decrease oral cavity microbial load due to their antiseptic properties. Hexetidine is a broad-spectrum antiseptic used for minor infections of mucous membranes, and, as a 0.1% mouthwash for local infections and oral hygiene. Objectives: This study determined the anti-viral activity of the mouthwash hexetidine (Bactidol®), specifically in reducing viral concentration of Human Coronavirus OC43 (HCoV- OC43; ATCC®VR-1558™) and Influenza A virus (IAV H1N1; clinical strain) cultured in cell lines. Methodology: In-vitro suspension assay (ASTM E-1052-11) was used to evaluate the virucidal property of hexetidine. Tissue Culture Infective Dose or TCID50/ml in 25%, 50%, and 100% hexetidine concentration at 15- and 30-seconds were determined. Vero E6 and MDCK cell lines were utilized for HCoV OC43 and IAV H1N1, respectively. Results: Hexetidine-treated cell lines achieved >80% survival rate for MDCK and Vero E6. Hexetidine reduced the infectivity of HCoV-OC43 and IAV H1N1 at 25%, 50%, and 100% concentrations by more than 80% at 15- and 30-seconds exposure times. Conclusion and Recommendation This in vitro study showed that hexetidine, even at diluted concentrations, reduced the infectivity of HCoV-OC43 and Influenza A virus H1N1 when used for 15 and 30 seconds. The antiviral activity of hexetidine mouthwash against the other virulent members of the Coronavirus Family, SARSCoV- 2 can be explored using the methods used in this in vitro study.
Hexetidine ; Influenza A virus

Background and Objective: Staphylococcus aureus is the leading cause of skin and soft tissue infections such as abscesses, furuncles, and cellulitis. Biofilm forming strains of S. aureus have higher incidence of antimicrobial resistance to at least three or more antibiotics and are considered as multidrug resistant. Since S. aureus biofilm-producing strains have higher rates of multidrug and methicillin resistance compared to non-biofilm-producing strains, the need for alternative therapeutic option is important. Furthermore, rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Asia remain high. Results of the study may provide support for the clinical uses of P. betle as a topical antibacterial and antiseptic in the treatment and prevention of infections involving the skin, mouth, throat, and indwelling medical devices. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of Piper betle L. ethanolic leaf extract (PBE) against a biofilm-forming methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 (MSSA). Methods: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of PBE against MSSA were determined using the agar dilution assay. The biofilm inhibition and eradication assays using crystal violet were done to quantify the antibiofilm activities of PBE on MSSA biofilm. Results: PBE showed activity against MSSA in agar dilution assay with MIC and MBC values of 2500 μg/mL and 5000 μg/mL, respectively. At subinhibitory concentrations, PBE showed biofilm inhibition activity at 1250 μg/mL but a lower percent eradication of biofilms as compared to oxacillin was noted. Conclusion PBE showed antibacterial activities including biofilm inhibition against methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 (MSSA).
Piper betle ; Staphylococcus aureus ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Biofilms

Background and Objective: Staphylococcus aureus is the leading cause of skin and soft tissue infections such as abscesses, furuncles, and cellulitis. Biofilm forming strains of S. aureus have higher incidence of antimicrobial resistance to at least three or more antibiotics and are considered as multidrug resistant. Since S. aureus biofilm-producing strains have higher rates of multidrug and methicillin resistance compared to non-biofilm-producing strains, the need for alternative therapeutic option is important. Furthermore, rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Asia remain high. Results of the study may provide support for the clinical uses of P. betle as a topical antibacterial and antiseptic in the treatment and prevention of infections involving the skin, mouth, throat, and indwelling medical devices. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of Piper betle L. ethanolic leaf extract (PBE) against a biofilm-forming methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 (MSSA). Methods: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of PBE against MSSA were determined using the agar dilution assay. The biofilm inhibition and eradication assays using crystal violet were done to quantify the antibiofilm activities of PBE on MSSA biofilm. Results: PBE showed activity against MSSA in agar dilution assay with MIC and MBC values of 2500 μg/mL and 5000 μg/mL, respectively. At subinhibitory concentrations, PBE showed biofilm inhibition activity at 1250 μg/mL but a lower percent eradication of biofilms as compared to oxacillin was noted. Conclusion PBE showed antibacterial activities including biofilm inhibition against methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 (MSSA).
Piper betle ; Staphylococcus aureus ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Biofilms