title: Gallotannins inhibit growth, water-insoluble glucan synthesis, and aggregation of mutans streptococci.
abstract: During screening for anti-plaque agents of plant origin, ethanolic extracts from Melaphis chinensis (Bell), the Chinese Nutgall, exhibited strong inhibition of glucosyltransferase (GTF), in vitro adherence and glucan-induced agglutination of Streptococcus mutans 3209 and S. sobrinus B13. More than 91% inhibition of water-insoluble glucan synthesis from sucrose by GTF was noted at a concentration as low as 7.8 micrograms/mL. Bactericidal effects on other mutans streptococci, S. salivarius, and Actinomyces viscosus were also evident. Through chemical fractionation and analyses, along with bioassays, the active components were identified as gallotannins.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, Chicago State University, Illinois 60628, USA.
authors.forename: C D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Wu-Yuan
authors.forename: C Y
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: R T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Wu
mesh_terms: D001422:Bacterial Adhesion / Q000187:drug effects*; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005936:Glucans / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000096:biosynthesis; D005964:Glucosyltransferases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D047348:Hydrolyzable Tannins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D005936:Glucans; D047348:Hydrolyzable Tannins; D005964:Glucosyltransferases