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Introduction:Dental caries results from acidogenic oral microbiota due to frequent sugar consumption. Streptococcus mutans is key contributor to dental caries. Ayurvedic medicinal plant extracts offer promising avenue for antimicrobial research against cariogenic pathogens.

Objective:To explore antimicrobial properties of extracts from indigenous medicinal plants against Streptococcus mutans, integrating traditional knowledge with scientific evidence.

Materials and Method: This non-randomised trial was conducted by department of Biotechnology, Kathmandu University from 2022 July to 2023 July following the tenets of Declaration of Helsinki. Convenience sampling method was utilised to collect four medicinal plants (Tejpatta, Vajradanti, Danti, and Ghotape) grown in different altitudes of Nepal. Their extracts were prepared using standard biochemical protocol. Phytochemical composition was analysed through Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Liquid Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry. Antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans was assessed through MIC, MBC, and zone of inhibition assays.

Result:All extracts showed antimicrobial activities against Streptococcus mutans. The dry extract of Vajradanti was most effective with highest zone of inhibition (31 mm) followed by dry extract of Danti (20 mm), and Ghotape (18 mm) at 100 mg/ml concentration.Danti was most effective, requiring lower concentrations (375 µg/ml for MIC and 750 µg/ml for MBC) to inhibit bacterial growth.

Conclusion: Phytochemical analysis of plant extracts revealed diverse compounds with potential therapeutic value. Danti (Baliospermum montanum) was found to be most potent against Streptococcus mutans, with lower MIC and MBC values. Vajradanti (Barleria prionitis) displayed significant inhibition zones, indicating potential of these indigenous plant extracts in addressing dental caries.

Danti; ghotape; herbal extract; Streptococcus mutans; tejpatta; vajradanti.