Antibacterial Activity of Lemon Basil (Ocimum citriodorum) and Key Lime (Citrus aurantifolia S.) Extract Combination on Streptococcus mutants

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Lots of plants that are used in Southeast Asian and Indonesian cuisine have antibacterial properties. AIM: This study aimed to find out the effectiveness of lemon basil (Ocimum citriodorum) and key lime (Citrus aurantifolia S.) extract combination on Streptococcus mutants’ inhibition. METHODS: Lemon Basil and Key Lime were extracted and combined with several following concentration, respectively, (30–70%, 40–60%, 50–50%, 60–40%, and 70–30%). S. mutants were cultured using Brain-heart Infusion Broth overnight. The inhibition range from the extract combination was measured and analyzed. RESULTS: All combinations except 60–40 showed significant effectivity against S. mutants compared to control (p < 0.05). Post hoc tests revealed that only the combination Lemon Basil-Key Lime 30–70% that has a significantly wider inhibition range compared to L50%-K50% (p = 0.034), L60%-K40% (p = 0.007), and L70%–K30% (p = 0.023). CONCLUSION: Combination extract of Lemon Basil and Key lime has effectivity against oral micro bacteria, especially S. mutants.