Antimicrobial activity of essential oils against biofilms formed in dental acrylic resin: a systematic review of in vitro studies

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#acrylic-resins #antifungal-agents #biofilms #candida-albicans #chlorhexidine

Antimicrobial activity of essential oils against biofilms formed in dental acrylic resin: a systematic review of in vitro studies

Carvalho-Silva et al., 2024 | Biofouling | Systematic Review

Citation

Carvalho-Silva João Marcos, Teixeira Ana Beatriz Vilela, ... Dos Reis Andréa Cândido. Antimicrobial activity of essential oils against biofilms formed in dental acrylic resin: a systematic review of in vitro studies. Biofouling. 2024-Feb;40(2):114-129. doi:10.1080/08927014.2024.2332709

Abstract

This study aimed to answer the question formulated according to the PICO strategy: 'Which essential oils show antimicrobial activity against biofilms formed on dental acrylic resin?' composed by population (dental acrylic resin), intervention (application of essential oils), comparison (denture cleansers, antifungal drugs, chlorhexidine, and oral mouthwashes), and outcome (antibiofilm activity). In vitro experimental studies evaluating the activity of EOs on biofilm formed on acrylic resin were included. PRISMA guidelines were followed, and the search was performed in the PubMed, Science Direct, Embase, and Lilacs databases and in the gray literature using Google Scholar and ProQuest in December 2023. A manual search of the reference lists of the included primary studies was performed. Of the 1467 articles identified, 37 were selected for full-text reading and 12 were included. Twelve EOs were evaluated, of which 11 showed activity against Candida spp., 3 against Staphylococcus aureus, and 1 against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The EOs of Cymbopogon citratus, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, and Cymbopogon nardus showed higher action than chlorhexidine, C. nardus higher than Listerine, C. citratus higher than nystatin, and Melaleuca alternifolia higher than fluconazole and nystatin. However, chlorhexidine was more effective than Lippia sidoides and Salvia officinalis, sodium hypochlorite was more effective than L. sidoides, nystatin was more effective than Zingiber officinale, Amphotericin B more effective than Eucalyptus globulus and M. alternifolia. In conclusion, the EOs of C. zeylanicum, C. citratus, C. nardus, and M. alternifolia showed antimicrobial activity to reduce biofilm on dental acrylic resin.

Key Findings

alternifolia showed antimicrobial activity to reduce biofilm on dental acrylic resin.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Acrylic Resins
  • Antifungal Agents
  • Biofilms
  • Candida albicans
  • Chlorhexidine
  • Nystatin
  • Oils, Volatile

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: ginger

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09