Media Penelitian dan Pengembangan Kesehatan
Vol. 36 No. 1 (2026): MEDIA PENELITIAN DAN PENGEMBANGAN KESEHATAN

Effectiveness of breadfruit leaf extract in mouthwash formula to inhibit the bacteria of Streptococcus mutans that causes caries

Khairi, Nur (Unknown)
Aisyah, Andi Nur (Unknown)
Indrisari, Maulita (Unknown)
Sukmawati, Sukmawati (Unknown)
Nisa, Michrun (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
15 Jan 2026

Abstract

Background: Dental caries is caused by Streptococcus mutans, which forms biofilms and produces acid that damages tooth enamel. Prevention is often achieved through mouthwashes containing antibacterial agents, but commercial products may have side effects due to chemical ingredients. Artocarpus altilis (breadfruit) leaves contain bioactive compounds like flavonoids and tannins, which have potential as natural antibacterial agents. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Artocarpus altilis leaf extract and formulate an effective mouthwash against Streptococcus mutans. Methods: The study used a true experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group. The extract was obtained by maceration with 96% ethanol. Three mouthwash formulations were prepared with varying glycerin concentrations (15%, 20%, and 25%). Antibacterial activity was assessed using the paper disk method, and data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: The 2-4% extract had strong antibacterial activity, with inhibition zones ranging from 20.25–23.81 mm, significantly different from the negative control (p<0.05). The mouthwash formulations were liquid, yellow-green in color, with a characteristic breadfruit and mint scent, pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.9, and viscosity of 1 cPs. The mouthwash exhibited strong antibacterial activity, with inhibition zones between 18.81±1.5 mm and 18.94±0.5 mm, showing no significant differences across formulas (p>0.05). Conclusion: The 2% Artocarpus altilis extract and 15% glycerin formula was stable and effectively inhibited Streptococcus mutans

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jmp2k

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Dentistry Environmental Science Medicine & Pharmacology

Description

Media of Health Research and Development is a journal that was developed to disseminate and discuss scientific papers on health development and other research of health. The journal is intended as a medium of communication for those who were interested to study health, among others, for researchers, ...