Multifaceted effect of caffeic acid against Streptococcus mutans infection: microbicidal and immunomodulatory agent in macrophages.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of caffeic acid in the interface between the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory function in macrophage response against S. mutans. S. mutans (10 cfu/mL) were incubated with caffeic acid to determinate the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC) and macrophage cells were incubated with caffeic acid to determinate cell viability and toxicity. Anti-inflammatory effects were measured by nitrite accumulation, TNF-α and PGE production, and NF-kB phosphorylation, and S. mutans survival following internalization by macrophages was investigated. We found that caffeic acid presented antimicrobial activity against S. mutans (IC = 2.938 ± 0.1225 mM) without exerting cytotoxicity. Caffeic acid inhibited nitrite, TNF-α and PGE production by the NF-kB dependent pathway, indicating an immunomodulatory property. Caffeic acid also contributed to macrophage bacteria clearance activity. In summary, caffeic acid presented antimicrobial activity against S. mutans and anti-inflammatory effects in macrophages.