Effect ofAchyranthes asperaRoot andTerminalia arjunaBark on Aerotolerant Responses inStreptococcus mutans

Abstract

In the present study, the effect of hydroalcoholic extract ofAchyranthes asperaroot (AAR) andTerminalia arjunabark (TAB) on the aerotolerant capacities ofStreptococcus mutanswas examined. AAR and TAB extracts were found to inhibit the prime antioxidant enzymes like manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), NADH oxidases, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), altering the aerotolerant responses inS. mutans. Consequently,S. mutansare unable to withstand the oxidative stress and thus are made more susceptible to the antimicrobial activity.