Inhibitory Effects of Shikonin Dispersion, an Extract of Encapsulated in β-1,3-1,6 Glucan, on and Non-Mutans Streptococci.

Shikonin is extracted from the roots of , and shikonin extracts have been shown to have inhibitory effects on several bacteria. However, shikonin extracts are difficult to formulate because of their poor water solubility. In the present study, we prepared a shikonin dispersion, which was solubilized by the inclusion of β-1,3-1,6 glucan, and analysed the inhibitory effects of this dispersion on and non-mutans streptococci. The shikonin dispersion showed pronounced anti- activity, and inhibited growth of and biofilm formation by this bacterium. The shikonin dispersion also showed antimicrobial and antiproliferative effects against non-mutans streptococci. In addition, a clinical trial was conducted in which 20 subjects were asked to brush their teeth for 1 week using either shikonin dispersion-containing or non-containing toothpaste, respectively. The shikonin-containing toothpaste decreased the number of in the oral cavity, while no such effect was observed after the use of the shikonin-free toothpaste. These results suggest that shikonin dispersion has an inhibitory effect on and non-mutans streptococci, and toothpaste containing shikonin dispersion may be effective in preventing dental caries.