The Importance of Lemongrass in Overcoming Periodontitis

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 50 views

Effectiveness of Antibacterial Lemongrass Extract (Cymbopogon Citratus) on the Growth of Fusobacterium Nucleatum Bacteria in Vitro

Introduction

Periodontitis, a disease that attacks dental support tissue, has become a serious dental health problem worldwide. The main cause of periodontitis is a gram-negative anaerobic bacterial infection, one of which is fusobacterium nucleatum. This bacterium plays an important role in the formation of plaque in the mouth, becoming a bridge for other bacteria to multiply. Recent research has investigated the potential of lemongrass extract (cymbopogon citratus) as an antibacterial agent to fight fusobacterium nucleatum. Lemongrass is known to contain active compounds such as essential oils, flavonoids, tannins, and tripenoids, which are thought to have antibacterial effects.

The Importance of Lemongrass in Overcoming Periodontitis

Lemongrass (cymbopogon citratus) is a tropical plant that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its various health benefits. The essential oil extracted from lemongrass has been shown to have antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. The active compounds present in lemongrass, such as citral, geraniol, and limonene, have been identified as the primary contributors to its antibacterial effects. These compounds have been shown to inhibit the growth of various bacteria, including fusobacterium nucleatum, which is a major contributor to periodontitis.

Methodology

This study used an experimental laboratory method with a post test only control group design. Bacterial sensitivity test fusobacterium nucleatum was carried out by dilution method, using bacteria fusobacterium nucleatum ATCC® 25586 ™. Lemongrass extract, which was obtained through the process of maceration and dilution, was added to the bacterial suspension. The minimum inhibitory concentration (KHM) and minimum killing concentration (KBM) of lemongrass extract were determined using the agar dilution method.

Results

The results of this study showed that lemongrass extract had antibacterial effectiveness against fusobacterium nucleatum. The minimum inhibitory concentration (KHM) of lemongrass extract was 12.5%, which means that at this concentration lemongrass extract can inhibit bacterial growth. Meanwhile, the minimum killing concentration (KBM) of lemongrass extract was 25%, which means that at this concentration lemongrass extract can kill the bacteria fusobacterium nucleatum.

Discussion

This finding shows that lemongrass extract has the potential as a natural antibacterial agent to overcome the problem of periodontitis. However, further research needs to be done to ensure its long-term safety and effectiveness. The use of lemongrass extract as an additional therapy in the treatment of periodontitis opens new opportunities in the treatment of this disease. The use of natural ingredients such as lemongrass can be a safer and environmentally friendly alternative compared to chemical drugs.

Conclusion

This study is also the foundation for the development of herbal dental care products, which can be an alternative solution to maintain oral health. The results of this study suggest that lemongrass extract has antibacterial effects against fusobacterium nucleatum, which is a major contributor to periodontitis. Further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness and safety of lemongrass extract as a natural antibacterial agent in the treatment of periodontitis.

Future Directions

Future studies should investigate the long-term safety and effectiveness of lemongrass extract as a natural antibacterial agent in the treatment of periodontitis. Additionally, studies should be conducted to determine the optimal concentration and duration of treatment with lemongrass extract. The development of herbal dental care products using lemongrass extract as an active ingredient should also be explored.

References

ATCC. (2020). Fusobacterium nucleatum ATCC 25586 ™. Retrieved from https://www.atcc.org/products/all/25586
Kumar, V., & Kumar, S. (2019). Cymbopogon citratus: A review of its medicinal properties. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 231, 112-123.
Lee, S. C., & Lee, J. H. (2018). Antibacterial activity of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil against Fusobacterium nucleatum. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 30(3), 257-265.

Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of antibacterial lemongrass extract (cymbopogon citratus) on the growth of fusobacterium nucleatum bacteria in vitro. The results showed that lemongrass extract had antibacterial effectiveness against fusobacterium nucleatum, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (KHM) of 12.5% and a minimum killing concentration (KBM) of 25%. This finding suggests that lemongrass extract has the potential as a natural antibacterial agent to overcome the problem of periodontitis. Further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness and safety of lemongrass extract as a natural antibacterial agent in the treatment of periodontitis.
Q&A: Effectiveness of Antibacterial Lemongrass Extract (Cymbopogon Citratus) on the Growth of Fusobacterium Nucleatum Bacteria in Vitro

Q: What is the main cause of periodontitis?

A: The main cause of periodontitis is a gram-negative anaerobic bacterial infection, one of which is fusobacterium nucleatum. This bacterium plays an important role in the formation of plaque in the mouth, becoming a bridge for other bacteria to multiply.

Q: What is lemongrass extract, and how does it work as an antibacterial agent?

A: Lemongrass extract is a natural compound extracted from the lemongrass plant (cymbopogon citratus). It contains active compounds such as essential oils, flavonoids, tannins, and tripenoids, which are thought to have antibacterial effects. These compounds have been shown to inhibit the growth of various bacteria, including fusobacterium nucleatum.

Q: What is the minimum inhibitory concentration (KHM) and minimum killing concentration (KBM) of lemongrass extract?

A: The minimum inhibitory concentration (KHM) of lemongrass extract is 12.5%, which means that at this concentration lemongrass extract can inhibit bacterial growth. Meanwhile, the minimum killing concentration (KBM) of lemongrass extract is 25%, which means that at this concentration lemongrass extract can kill the bacteria fusobacterium nucleatum.

Q: How does lemongrass extract compare to chemical drugs in treating periodontitis?

A: Lemongrass extract is a natural antibacterial agent that can be a safer and environmentally friendly alternative compared to chemical drugs. While chemical drugs can have side effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance, lemongrass extract has been shown to be effective against fusobacterium nucleatum without the risks associated with chemical drugs.

Q: Can lemongrass extract be used as a treatment for periodontitis?

A: While lemongrass extract has shown promise as an antibacterial agent against fusobacterium nucleatum, further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety as a treatment for periodontitis. However, it may be used as an additional therapy in conjunction with other treatments.

Q: What are the potential benefits of using lemongrass extract as a natural antibacterial agent?

A: The potential benefits of using lemongrass extract as a natural antibacterial agent include:

Reduced risk of side effects associated with chemical drugs
Environmentally friendly alternative to chemical drugs
Potential for long-term safety and effectiveness
May be used as an additional therapy in conjunction with other treatments

Q: What are the potential limitations of using lemongrass extract as a natural antibacterial agent?

A: The potential limitations of using lemongrass extract as a natural antibacterial agent include:

Limited research on its effectiveness and safety
May not be as effective as chemical drugs in treating periodontitis
May require further research to confirm its long-term safety and effectiveness

Q: How can lemongrass extract be used in dental care products?

A: Lemongrass extract can be used in dental care products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, and chewing gum. It can be added to these products to provide antibacterial properties and help prevent the growth of fusobacterium nucleatum and other bacteria that contribute to periodontitis.

Q: What are the potential applications of lemongrass extract in the treatment of periodontitis?

A: The potential applications of lemongrass extract in the treatment of periodontitis include:

Additional therapy in conjunction with other treatments
Natural antibacterial agent in dental care products
Potential for long-term safety and effectiveness
May be used to prevent the growth of fusobacterium nucleatum and other bacteria that contribute to periodontitis.