Effect of Achyranthes aspera Root and Terminalia arjuna Bark on Aerotolerant Responses in Streptococcus mutans

Abstract

In the present study, the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Achyranthes aspera root (AAR) and Terminalia arjuna bark (TAB) on the aerotolerant capacities of Streptococcus mutans was examined. AAR and TAB extracts were found to inhibit the prime antioxidant enzymes like manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), NADH oxidases, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), altering the aerotolerant responses in S. mutans. Consequently, S. mutans are unable to withstand the oxidative stress and thus are made more susceptible to the antimicrobial activity.