Antimicrobial activity of Plectranthus barbatus (Lamiacea)

Introduction The medicinal potential of plant is due to the presence of active principles, capable of producing several pharmacological effects such as analgesic, antiseptic agents, diuretics, expectorants, tranquilizers, digestive healing, emollients, anti-diarrhoeal, among others [1]. The deep cultural roots of the Brazilian population facilitated the permanence of the use of herbal medicine to the present day acknowledging its effectiveness and legitimacy. [2] A strong scientific interest in herbal medicine has grown in recent years, which has led to the development of several studies that were based on popular practices with the use of plants for various therapeutic purposes [3]. One of medicinal plants, Plectranthus barbatus, is traditionally used as anti-inflammatory and antifungal agents, and has been recognized for its effects against the bacterias that cause dental caries such as Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus [4].