Ascorbic Acid from <i>Citrus limon</i> (L.) Osbeck Fruit Source: A Promising Natural Agent for Caries Prevention and Management

Dental caries is an age-old oral disease afflicting humans irrespective of gender, age, socio-economical background, and geographical location. Despite extensive research being done worldwide to prevent dental caries, it undoubtedly still a significant public health issue. Streptococcus mutans, commensal bacteria the microflora, primary etiological agent strongly linked caries. In recent years, medicinal plant-based phytotherapy has drawn great attention towards managing various diseases as effective safe. The aim investigation was evaluate antibacterial activity fresh Citrus limon fruit juice against S. mutans quantify its ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) concentration. Additionally, determine MIC, MBC growth curve assay standard mutans. Fresh C. demonstrated antimicrobial reference strain (MTCC 497) by agar well diffusion method. concentration found be 0.194 % w/w HPLC technique. MIC values were 12.5 mg/ml 25 mg/ml, respectively. that at sub-MIC 6.25 did not display any variations in rate To summarize, potential source natural metabolites Ascorbic acid, one chief components fruit, promising for development anti-caries products. Further studies are warranted developing novel formulations using with other prevention better management