<i>In vitro</i> investigation of minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bacterial concentration from combined extract of<i> Salvadora persica L. and Zingiber officinale Rosc. against Streptococcus mutans</i>

Salvadora persica L. (Miswak) and Zingiber officinale Rosc. (Ginger) are widely used in traditional medicine for their antimicrobial properties. The present study aimed to investigate the minimum bacterial concentration (MBC) of a combined extract of S. persica and Z. officinale against Streptococcus mutans, a major contributor to dental caries. The extracts were obtained using methanol diluent and the MIC was determined using the microdilution method in 96-well microtiter plates. The results showed that the combined extract had a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 75 & mu;g + 1.25 mg/ml and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 150 & mu;g/ml + 2.5 mg/ml against Streptococcus mutans. The findings suggest that the combined extract of S. persica and Z. officinale may have potential as a natural alternative to synthetic antimicrobial agents for the prevention and treatment of dental caries. Further studies are warranted to investigate the safety and efficacy of the combined extract in vivo and to elucidate the mechanism of action.