Antibacterial Effect of Green Tea Leaves and Pomegranate Arils Ethanol Extract towards Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175 and Veillonella parvula ATCC 10790T

Introduction: S.mutans is known as a bacteria that initiates the formation of caries in children, but in further studies it is known that the risk of caries formation in children can also be caused by the presence of V.parvula. These bacteria live from lactic acid produced by S.mutans to form propionic acid. To prevent caries, an antibacterial agent is needed to inhibit the growth of both bacteria. Green tea is widely used as an antibacterial plant, it has catechin that has proven as antibacterial. Ellagic acid is a content found in pomegranate which has an antibacterial effect. This study aimed to test the antibacterial effects of green tea leaves and pomegranate arils extract against S.mutans and V.parvula bacteria. Materials and methods: The green tea leaves and pomegranate arils are made into an extract using the maceration method. Testing is done by measuring the size of the inhibition zone of the extract towards S.mutans ATCC 25715 and V.parvula ATCC 10790^T. Results: Pomegranate arils extract showed an inhibition zone to V.parvula is 7.25 mm and S.mutans is 7.03 mm. Green tea leaf extract has an inhibition zone to S.mutans is 8.03 mm whereas in V.parvula is 10.5 mm. MBC of pomegranate and green tea to V.parvula is 25% and 12,5%. MBC to S.mutans is 12,5% and 3,125%. Conclusion: The present study shown green tea leaf and pomegranate arils extract has a broad spectrum antibacterial effect towards S.mutans and V.parvula.