ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF BLACK TEA AGAINST STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS AND ITS SYNERGISM WITH ANTIBIOTICS

Abstract

Tea is the most common beverage after it is extracted from the leaves of Camellia sinenesis. It is classified in to fermented tea (Black Tea) and non-fermented tea (green tea). Methanolic extract of tea diluted in methanol and ethanol, which were tested for antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans. Methanol was found to be best antimicrobial solvent. The MIC value of methanolic extracts of Black Tea diluted in ethanol was 0.1 mg/ml. Synergistic results of antibacterial activity of methanolic extracts (diluted in ethanol) were found poor. Synergistic activity of Black tea sample with antibiotics (Chloramphenicol, Tetracycline, Levofloxacin and Gentamycin) showed best response against most of the bacteria (0.1mg/ml).