Modulatory effect of Piper urophyllum C.DC essential oil on antibiotics and chlorhexidine: implications for low-cost mouthrinse development

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Research Articles | Published:

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DOI: 10.1007/s42535-026-01696-6
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Keywords: Antimicrobial activity, n Piper urophyllumn , Essential oil, Mouthrinse


Abstract

The growing concern over antimicrobial resistance has encouraged the investigation of plant-derived compounds as resistance modulators. This study evaluated the chemical composition and modulatory effect of Piper urophyllum C.DC essential oil (EOPu) on antibiotics, chlorhexidine, and a commercial mouthwash. Chemical characterization was performed using GC–MS, identifying nine compounds (97.81% of total composition), with aromadendrene (55.01%) and caryophyllene (22.59%) as major constituents. Antibacterial activity was determined by the broth microdilution method against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC25923 and SA10), Escherichia coli (ATCC25922 and EC06), and Streptococcus mutans ATCC00446. EOPu alone exhibited MIC ≥ 1024 µg/mL for all strains. However, when tested at sub-inhibitory concentration (MIC/8), EOPu significantly reduced the MIC of chlorhexidine, antibiotics, and mouthwash (37–87.5%). Fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) values confirmed synergistic interactions (FICI ≤ 0.5) in most combinations. These findings suggest that although EOPu lacks clinically relevant antibacterial activity alone, it acts as a resistance modulator and may contribute to future development of adjunctive formulations. Further cytotoxicity and biofilm studies are required prior to clinical application.

Antimicrobial activity, n Piper urophyllumn , Essential oil, Mouthrinse


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Author Information

Faculdade CECAPE, Juazeiro do Norte, Brazil