Ms. Cynthia Henley Smith

University of Pretoria, South Africa

Project: Biological activity of an indigenous South African plant against oral pathogens using a novel predictive method.

Dental caries (cavities) and periodontal diseases in humans have an astonishing impact on the health and welfare of communities. My doctorate involves researching an indigenous South African plant, to screen against oral pathogens, such as the cavity forming Streptococcus mutans; the periodontal pathogen, Prevotella intermedia; and Candia albicans, which is prevalent in immunocompromised individuals.

Through antimicrobial screening; synergistic combination of an indigenous South African plant with essential oils; a novel predictive method; and anti-adherence determination using a scanning electron microscope it has been determined that the adherence of pathogenic bacteria can be prevented while still maintaining a healthy level of commensal (needed) bacteria. Enzymatic bio-analysis has determined that the plant extract and synergistic combination can also help reduce acidic demineralization of the enamel of the tooth. This indigenous plant therefore shows great potential as an oral care product.

The link to the research article: Predicting the influence of multiple components on microbial inhibition using a logistic response model - a novel approach: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/14/190