ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES OF TURMERIC CRUDE EXTRACT ON DENTAL CARIES ISOLATES

ABSTRACT Herbal plants have long been recognized for their medicinal properties, offering natural remedies for various human ailments. This study investigates the antimicrobial efficacy of turmeric extract against dental caries isolates. The plant sample was collected from local vegetation in Nkanu West LGA of Enugu State. The sample was washed, dried, pulverized to powder and extracted using maceration method. A total of 12 samples from dental caries were obtained and identified as sample A, B and C. Ten fold serial dilution was made and the organisms were isolated and identified using microscopic examination and biochemical test. Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus sanguis and Staphylococcus aureus were frequently identified. Turmeric extract exhibited varying degrees of antimicrobial activity, with Staphylococcus aureus showing the highest sensitivity (10.5 mm inhibition zone) and Streptococcus mutans (3.1mm) and Streptococcus oralis (8.3mm) showing weaker inhibition. The extract’s efficacy decreased with lower concentrations and ciprofloxacin (12.5-17.2mm) showed superior antimicrobial potency. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) tests revealed moderate to high sensitivity of the bacterial isolates to turmeric extract. The findings suggest that turmeric extract has potential as a natural alternative for managing oral pathogens, particularly in controlling dental caries caused by S. mutans and S. sanguis. These results are consistent with previous studies demonstrating curcumin's antibacterial activity.