Preparation of Multi-component Eutectic Solvents and Analysising of Flavonoids Composition in Pecan Shells

Tooth decay is a global scourge—but a humble Mediterranean herb may hold the key to a new, natural defense.

Dental caries remains one of the world's most common chronic diseases. With rising antibiotic resistance and concerns about biofilm-related infections, scientists are turning to nature for alternatives. This study zeroed in on Teucrium polium L., a member of the Lamiaceae family, testing its ethanolic, hydroethanolic, and aqueous extracts against seven bacteria that drive tooth decay.

The results were striking. The hydroethanolic extract was the most potent against Streptococcus mutans, the main culprit behind cavities, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of just 1.24 mg/mL. The ethanolic extract excelled against several other pathogens, including S. sanguinis (MIC 1.55 mg/mL) and S. sobrinus (MIC 1.52 mg/mL). Meanwhile, the aqueous extract showed its strength only against S. epidermidis (MIC 2.03 mg/mL), proving that solvent choice dramatically alters efficacy.

Overall, the ethanolic extract outperformed all others across the bacterial panel, followed closely by the hydroethanolic version. The aqueous extract lagged behind. This suggests that matching the right solvent to the right target pathogen could maximize the antimicrobial punch.

Encouragingly, mouthwashes containing ethanolic and hydroethanolic extracts at a tiny concentration of 2.44 mg/L effectively inhibited all tested oral bacteria. The authors call for future research into the extracts' mechanisms and their real-world potential against conventional treatments—a step toward smarter, plant-based dental care.

Key Points

• Hydroethanolic extract best against S. mutans (MIC 1.24).
• Ethanolic extract strongest overall, followed by hydroethanolic.
• Mouthwash at 2.44 mg/L inhibited all oral bacteria.