DOI: 10.4103/jisp.jisp_23_26 ISSN: 0972-124X

Anti-quorum sensing potential of Salvadora persica tannins: An in vitro study

Malhaan Khan Kamaal, Maria Antony Prem Blaise Rajula, Potluri Leela Ravi Shankar, Merita Stanley, Anbukumari Vadivelu Saravanan, Lochini Suriyanarayanan
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Abstract:

Background:

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition driven by bacterial biofilms, with Porphyromonas gingivalis serving as a key periodontal pathogen. Quorum sensing (QS) regulates bacterial virulence and biofilm formation through signaling molecules such as homoserine lactones (HSLs), making it a promising therapeutic target. Disrupting QS can attenuate bacterial pathogenicity without promoting antibiotic resistance.

Aim:

The study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial and QS inhibitory (QSI) potential of tannins extracted from Salvadora persica against P. gingivalis in vitro .

Materials and Methods:

Tannins were extracted from dried S. persica roots using methanol as a solvent. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using the broth dilution method. HSL-mediated QSI was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with N-butyryl-DL-homoserine lactone as the standard.

Results:

The tannin extract exhibited a dose-dependent antibacterial effect, with a MIC of 500 μg/mL significantly inhibiting P. gingivalis growth (OD₆₀₀ = 0.825 ± 0.01). HPLC analysis revealed a dominant peak at 5.47 min (98.44% peak area), indicating an altered metabolite profile that may be associated with QS modulation. Further structural characterization using LC-MS/MS or nuclear magnetic resonance is required to confirm its identity. Minor peaks represented secondary metabolites possibly contributing synergistically to the inhibitory effect.

Conclusion:

S. persica tannins demonstrate potent antibacterial and anti-QS activity against P. gingivalis . By targeting bacterial communication rather than viability, Miswak tannins present a promising natural adjunct for managing biofilm-associated periodontal infections and reducing antibiotic resistance risk.

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