Evaluation of Experimental Toothpastes Based on Aloe schweinfurthii and Fluoride: Antibacterial Activity Against Streptococcus mutans and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans

Introduction: oral and dental pathologies, particularly dental caries and gingivitis, remain a major global public health concern. This study aimed to evaluate in vitro the antibacterial activity of lyophilized Aloe schweinfurthii gel and experimental toothpastes formulated with this gel and/or fluoride against Streptococcus mutans and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans.

Methodology: Oral samples were collected from adolescents aged 10–19 years presenting with caries and/or gingivitis. Isolated bacteria were tested using disk diffusion and broth microdilution methods to determine inhibition zone diameters (IZD), minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC).

Results: Lyophilized A. schweinfurthii gel showed notable antibacterial activity against both strains, with larger inhibition zones at moderate dilutions and an MBC/MIC ratio of 1, confirming a bactericidal effect. Among the experimental toothpastes, the formulation combining gel and fluoride (DC) demonstrated the highest antibacterial efficacy, often superior or comparable to a commercial reference toothpaste. 

Conclusion: These findings confirm the antibacterial potential of metabolites contained in Aloe schweinfurthii gel and suggest a possible synergistic effect with fluoride in the prevention of caries and gingival pathologies. Incorporating this gel into experimental toothpastes represents a promising natural alternative for the prevention of caries and gum disease.