Curcuma Xanthorrhiza Roxb. An Indonesia Native Medicinal Plant with Potential Antioral Biofilm Effect

Abstract

Most common oral diseases are directly related to oral biofilm, a complex community of microorganisms inhibiting the oral cavity. Recent studies provide deeper knowledge on how free-floating bacteria form a structurally organized microecosystem and on its pathogenicity and its self-defense mechanisms; thus, creating an understanding of the challenges in eliminating oral biofilm and maintaining the balance of oral ecosystem. Chlorhexidine has been the standard oral antimicrobial agent for decades. However, studies showed that it is less effective against bacteria in the form of biofilm that leads to an ongoing search of another method to fight against biofilm, including the use of plant-derived compounds. Medicinal plants are known to contain secondary metabolites, which are not only important in protecting the plant from any harmful environment but also potential as antimicroorganism and antioral biofilm for humans. Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb., containing xanthorrhizol (XNT), an essential bioactive compound, is an Indonesian native medicinal plant proven to have antibacterial and antibiofilm activities by several in vitro studies. The understanding of biofilm formation, its resistance to common drugs, and the potential role of C. xanthorrhiza-derived compounds as antibacterial and antibiofilm may contribute to developing C. xanthorrhiza into the alternative weapon against oral biofilm-related diseases.