INSIGHTS INTO THE ANTIOXIDANT, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTI-MICROBIAL POTENTIAL OF RAPHANUS SATIVUS LEAVES IN DENTAL THERAPEUTICS

Background: Raphanus sativus (R. sativus), a member of the Brassicaceae family, is rich in bioactive
compounds,including flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids, which exhibit significant antimicrobial, antioxidant,
anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. Oral diseases such as periodontitis, dental caries, and oral cancers are
influenced by microbial infections, oxidative stress, and inflammation. This study evaluates the potential of R.
sativus leaf extract as a natural therapeutic agent for oral health applications.
Materials and Methods: Ethanol was used to extract bioactive compounds from dried R. sativus leaves using
Soxhlet extraction. Antibacterial activity was tested against Streptococcus mutans and Escherichia coli using agar
diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the ABTS
free radical scavenging assay. Anti-inflammatory, antifungal activity and Cytotoxicity was tested.
Results: The R. sativus leaf extract exhibited significant dose-dependent anti-inflammatory (p < 0.03) and
antioxidant activities, with higher concentrations nearing the efficacy of controls( P < 0.05). Antibacterial assays
demonstrated potent inhibition of S. mutans and E. coli, with larger inhibition zones at higher concentrations.
However, antifungal activity against C. albicans was minimal. Cytotoxicity studies revealed a dose-dependent effect,
with reduced survival in zebrafish larvae at elevated extract concentrations.
Conclusion: R. sativus leaf extract demonstrates promising antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory
properties, supporting its potential application in oral healthcare. However, dose-dependent cytotoxicity highlights
the need for further research to optimize extraction methods, establish safe therapeutic concentrations, and explore
clinical applications in oral disease management.