Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Caesalpinia sappan L. (Sappan Wood) Extract: A Preliminary Study Toward Toothpaste Application

Year 2025, Volume: 45 Issue: 4, 316 - 328, 01.12.2025

Euis Reni Yuslianti , Agus Susanto , Afifah Bambang Sutjiatmo , Wahyu Widowati , Vini Ayuni , Dhanar Septyawan Hadiprasetyo , Nadia Amalia

https://doi.org/10.52794/hujpharm.1639004

Abstract

Dental and oral diseases often arise from food debris in the mouth, which leads to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that facilitate interactions among microorganisms and result in dental plaque formation. This issue can be addressed by using herbal plants with minimal side effects. Sappan wood (Caesalpinia sappan L.) is extensively used in traditional medical systems to treat a myriad of conditions, from tuberculosis, diarrhea, dysentery, skin infections, and anemia. This research seeks to determine the potential of sappan wood extract as effective antioxidants and antibacterial agents in combating dental problems. The method started with the extraction of sappan wood heartwood using ethanol 70% as a solvent. Antioxidant tests were conducted through ABTS, DPPH, nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) tests, as well as antimicrobial evaluation using the disc diffusion method, Minimum Bactericide Concentration (MBC), and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). Antioxidant activities with IC50 ABTS>DPPH>NO> H2O2 (18.42 ± 0.35 μg/mL, 41.20 ± 0.26 μg/mL,76.47 ± 0.59 μg/mL, and 90.25 ± 0.29 μg/mL). The antimicrobial compounds in sappan wood showed inhibitory effects starting at 12.5-25% concentration on S. mutans, P. gingivalis and C. albicans (1.27 mm; 53.41%, 0.81 mm; 54.86%, and 2.15 mm; 56.14%). Sappan wood extract can be an antioxidant and antibacterial agent in preventing dental problems.

Keywords

Antioxidant , Antimicrobial activity , Caesalpinia sappan , Dental health , tooth plaque

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