Natural antibacterial gel to fight tooth decay: An in-silico modeling approach

This study developed an antibacterial oral gel to inhibit Streptococcus mutans, a bacterium that causes tooth decay. The was formulated using methanol extract of Piper betel leaves, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and glycerin at different concentrations. evaluated for pH, viscosity activity against S. mutans standard methods. showed potent activity, supporting its use in the formulation. In silico molecular docking studies targeted key protein residues involved substrate binding. Eleven bioactive compounds identified via GC-MS analysis were docked 1EUH, NADP-dependent aldehyde dehydrogenase from mutans. All 11 exhibited favorable scores, suggesting strong binding affinity target protein. results correlated with gel, which inhibited growth more effectively than sodium fluoride, dental product.