The activity of saga leaf (Abrus precatorius) ethanol extract fractions on biofilm degradation of Fusobacterium nucleatum

Abstract

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease causing permanent destruction of periodontal tissues. Fusobacterium nucleatum is a key bacterium involved in periodontitis biofilm formation. Biofilm degradation is crucial for periodontitis treatment. This study aimed to investigate the antibiofilm activity of ethanol extract fractions from Abrus precatorius leaves against F. Nucleatum. An in vitro experimental study was conducted using nine treatment groups, consisting of three fractions (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and residual) at three concentrations (3.125, 6.25, and 12.5 mg/mL). Chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2% and metronidazole served as positive controls, while 1% DMSO was used as a negative control. Biofilm degradation was assessed using microtiter plate assay with  crystal violet 1% staining and Microplate Reader at 600 nm. Data analysis employed one-way and two-way ANOVA, followed by post-hoc LSD and Tukey HSD tests. Results showed that all fractions at various concentrations effectively degraded biofilm (p≤0,05) compared to the negative control, except for the residual fraction at 3,125 mg/mL. Two-way ANOVA revealed significant differences between concentrations and fractions. The n-hexane fraction at 3.125 mg/mL demonstrated the highest biofilm degradation efficacy, comparable to chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2%. This study concludes that Abrus precatorius leaf ethanol extract fractions exhibit antibiofilm activity against F. Nucleatum.