Molecular Mechanisms of Inhibition of Streptococcus Species by Phytochemicals

Abstract

This review paper summarizes the antibacterial effects of phytochemicals of various medicinal plants against pathogenic and cariogenic streptococcal species. The information suggests that these phytochemicals have potential as alternatives to the classical antibiotics currently used for the treatment of streptococcal infections. The phytochemicals demonstrate direct bactericidal or bacteriostatic effects, such as: (i) prevention of bacterial adherence to mucosal surfaces of the pharynx, skin, and teeth surface; (ii) inhibition of glycolytic enzymes and pH drop; (iii) reduction of biofilm and plaque formation; and (iv) cell surface hydrophobicity. Collectively, findings from numerous studies suggest that phytochemicals could be used as drugs for elimination of infections with minimal side effects.

1. Introduction

The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge of the antimicrobial activity of naturally occurring molecules isolated from plants against Streptococcus species, focusing on their mechanisms of action. This review will highlight the phytochemicals that could be used as alternatives or enhancements to current antibiotic treatments for Streptococcus species. The scope of the review is limited to inhibitory effects of phytochemicals, mainly polyphenols, against Streptococcus species and where possible, their mechanisms of action against the major virulence factors will be discussed. Due to their major implications on human health, this review has largely focused on four Streptococcus species: (i) S. mutans (ii) S. pyogenes (iii) S. agalactiae and (iv) S. pneumoniae. To explain the potential mechanisms of inhibition of the phytochemicals, S. mutans has been used as the major example.

1.1. Streptococci

Streptococcus species are bacteria belonging to the Firmicutes phylum under the order of Lactobacillales and the family of Streptococcaceae [1]. Three genera exist within the family of Streptococcaceae including Streptococcus, Lactococcus and Lactovum of which Streptococcus is most diverse, containing 79 species [1]. A number of Streptococcus species are pathogenic to humans and animals, with S. pyogenes and S. pneumoniae as the most important pathogens [1]. These Gram positive bacteria generally appear as pairs or chains, are spherical to ovoid in shape, nutritionally fastidious, with fermentative metabolism and many of them form capsules [2].

Streptococcus species are found mostly in the oral cavity and nasopharynx and form a significant portion of the normal microbiota of humans and animals [2,3]. In healthy individuals, normal microbiota are harmless, however, they can cause infection under certain conditions, such as immune compromised stage [2,4]. Streptococcus species (e.g., S. pyogenes, S. agalactiae, and S. pneumoniae) can be classified serologically based on the cell wall carbohydrates into groups A to V [2,5,6]. Streptococci can also be grouped based on morphological differences, type of hemolysis on blood agar, biochemical reactions, cell wall pili-associated protein, and polysaccharide capsule (specific for group B streptococci) [7]. To date more than 85 capsule antigenic types of S. pneumoniae, 124 serotypes of S. pyogenes and nine CPS (capsular polysaccharide) serotypes of S. agalactiae have been proposed [7,8,9]. The cell wall of streptococci is among the most studied bacterial cell walls [7,10].

1.2. Streptococcal Infections and Major Virulence Factors

The diseases caused by streptococci range from non-life-threatening conditions like dental caries, pharyngitis (strep throat) to life-threatening conditions such as necrotizing fasciitis and meningitis (Table 1) [5]. Of all the oral streptococci, S. mutans is considered to be the etiological agent of dental caries. According to Petersen et al., industrialized countries spend 5%–10% of their public health expenditures on periodontal disease, dental caries and related dental care [11]. Unquestionably, one of the most common global diseases is dental caries [12].

Table 1.

Demonstrated virulence factors of streptococci species, disease caused and the associated social and financial cost with the disease.

Organism	Diseases	Adherence Site	Estimated Cases/Costs
S. mutans	Dental caries	Tooth surface, other bacteria present in the biofilm on the surface of the tooth [5]	500 million visits to dentists and an estimated $108 billion spent on dental services in united states in 2010 [27]
	Dental plaque
	Endocarditis
S. pyogenes	Pharyngitis	Mucosal surfaces of pharynx, skin [25]	1–2.6 million cases of strep throat, erythromycin-resistant, invasive S. pyogenes causes 1300 illnesses and 160 deaths in united states each year. The total cost (medical and non-medical ) of group A streptococcal pharyngitis among school aged children in united states ranges from $224 to $539 million per year [27]
	Cellulitis
	Streptococcal toxic-shock syndrome
	Necrotizing fasciitis
	Rheumatic fever
	Sequela
	Erysipelas glomerulonephritis
S. agalactiae	Neonatal sepsis	Mucosal surfaces of vaginas and recta of pregnant women, skin [32]	Clindamycin-resistant S. agalactiae causes an estimated 7600 illnesses and 440 deaths yearly in U.S. 27,000 cases of severe S. agalactiae disease, such as blood infections or meningitis, occurred in 2011, causing 1575 deaths in U.S. [27]
	Meningitis
	Systemic infection in immuno-compromised individuals
S. pneumoniae	Otitis media	Mucous membranes of the nasopharynx [33]	Cases of resistant pneumococcal pneumonia result in about 32,000 additional doctor visits and about 19,000 additional hospitalizations and costs associated are approximately $96 million in U.S. [27]
	Bacteraemia
	Pneumonia
	Meningitis
	Bronchitis
	Sinusitis
	Laryngitis
	Epiglottitis

A more pathogenic Streptococcus specie, S. pyogenes can be carried asymptomatically by humans but can cause mild to severe diseases, such as pharyngitis, tonsillitis, scarlet fever, cellulitis, erysipelas, rheumatic fever, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, necrotizing fasciitis, etc. (Table 1) [13]. It has been estimated that severe S. pyogenes infections lead to 517,000 deaths per year globally in addition to 233,000 deaths caused by rheumatic fever disease [14]. In United States alone 1800 invasive S. pyogenes disease-related deaths (necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome) are reported annually [15,16].

Another specie that most frequently has been linked to neonatal infections (early-onset and late-onset) such as sepsis, pneumonia and meningitis is S. agalactiae [17,18]. Late-onset neonatal infections (occurring at the age of 1–3 months) put infants at higher risk (as high as 20% even with proper antibiotic treatment) than early-onset neonatal infections of neonates (occurring within the first 24–48 h up to 7 days) [17]. In adults, S. agalactiae could cause peripartum choriomamniotitis, bacteremia, pneumonia, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections with immunocompromised individuals at highest risk (Table 1) [18,19].

Other important human pathogenic streptococci, S. pneumoniae, claimed the lives of 826,000 children under the age of five in year 2000 [20,21]. Globally, about 14.5 million episodes of invasive pneumococcal disease occur every year however mortality varies at 5%–35% depending on other factors (e.g., comorbidity, age, site of infection) [22]. In USA, annually 4 million episodes of pneumococcal diseases account for 445,000 hospitalizations and 22,000 deaths and S. pneumoniae is still the leading cause of bacteremia, meningitis, and pneumonia among all age groups (Table 1) [23].

Streptococci have a variety of potent virulence factors enabling them to cause such diverse infections [5]. Adhesins are one such factor because they play an important role in colonization [5]. Adhesins and virulence factors of streptococci have been reviewed extensively [5,6,24,25]. Carcinogenicity capacity of S. mutans is largely dependent on the ability of the bacteria to adhere and produce acid [12]. S. mutans glucosyltransferases assist in the adhesion process by synthesizing insoluble glucan from sucrose [12]. On the other hand, S. pyogenes produces extracellular proteins that have been shown to give rise to the remarkable virulence of the organism, triggering a nonspecific host immunological response [26]. Specific virulence factors assist S. pyogenes to attach to the host tissue, escape phagocytosis, and spread by infiltrating the host epithelial layers followed by colonizing [5,17,27,28,29]. In the case of S. agalactiae, major virulence and pathogenic factors enable the bacterium to stimulate sepsis syndrome, adhere to epithelial surface succeeding invasion, and avoidance of phagocytosis [30]. S. agalactiae attaches to host cells via fibronectin, fibrinogen and laminin [30]. For S. pneumoniae, a number of proteins, including hyaluronate lyase, pneumolysin, neuraminidases, the major autolysin, choline binding protein A, pneumococcal surface antigen A have been suggested to be virulence associated factors of this bacterium [31]. In addition, polysaccharide capsule is considered to be a key virulence factor [31].

1.3. Mechanism of Pathogenicity of Streptococcal Diseases

1.3.1. Adhesion, Plaque, and Biofilm Formation of Streptococcal Species

To cause disease, a bacterial pathogen needs to meet several basic requirements. First, it must be able to adhere to the tissue surface and compete with the normal microbiota present on that surface [5,34,35]. Subsequently, for sustainable attachment, biofilms are developed and this may lead to invasion of the host tissue [6]. To establish biofilm, planktonic bacteria attaches to either inert or coated surfaces and this can be mediated by electrostatic contacts or bacterial surface adhesins [36]. Attachment is followed by proliferation of the primary colonizers and their co-aggregation with other planktonic bacteria, production of exopolysaccharide which stabilizes the architecture, leading to the maturation of the biofilm [36]. Sessile bacteria then could detach and form biofilms at different site [36,37,38]. Biofilm formation is not an attribute only specific to a few species, but a general ability of all microorganisms. Biofilm formation pathways are species specific, diverse, and dependent on environmental factors [39]. Although diverse, there are common features among all biofilms: (i) cells in the biofilm are glued together by an extracellular matrix made of exopolysaccharides, proteins, and occasionally nucleic acids; (ii) biofilm formation is initiated by environmental and bacterial signals; and (iii) biofilm offers bacteria protection from antibiotics and environmental stresses including immunological responses of the host [39]. Bacterial biofilms can build up on abiotic (plastic, glass, metal, etc.) or biotic (plants, animals, and humans) surfaces [34,38,40]. Mammalian-tissue colonizing species of Streptococcus live within biofilm in the natural environment [6,41,42].

Bacteria increase the expression of their outer cell surface adhesins when environmental conditions allow promoting cell-cell and cell-surface interaction [6,43]. Streptococci owe their success in colonization to their wide range of proteins expressed on their surfaces [5,6]. Surface adhesins facilitate interrelation with salivary, serum, extracellular matrix elements, host cells and other microbes [5,6]. Many of these adhesins are anchored to the cell wall peptidoglycan via their C-terminus or to the cell membrane via their N-terminal lipid (lipoproteins), and other adhesins remain surface localized through non-covalent interactions with other proteins or polysaccharides on the cell surface [6,44].

Most bacterial pathogens, including streptococci, have long filamentous structures known as pilli or fimbriae that are also involved in adhesion and biofilm formation [34]. In Gram-positive bacteria, hydrophobic components can be found: (i) covalently bound to cell wall, such as streptococcal M and F proteins, (ii) in the cytoplasmic membrane (e.g., lipoteichoic acid (LTA) of S. pyogenes or sialic acid of S. agalactiae) or (iii) located on the surface, like pilli or fimbriae [6,44,45]. Aside from adherence, biofilms are of significant importance as approximately 65% of human bacterial infections involve biofilms [45] including Streptococcus species (e.g., S. mutans, S. pyogenes, S. agalactiae, and S. pneumoniae) [34,40,41,46]. Clinically, biofilms are important because they reduce susceptibility of the bacteria to antimicrobials, prospering resistant bacteria leading to persistent infections [47,48].

The primary cause of dental caries is dental plaque which is a complex biofilm [41]. Broad spectrum of saliva proteins contribute to and initiate adhesion and dental biofilm formation [41,49,50]. Adhesion of S. pyogenes to various host cells is facilitated by the capsule and several factors embedded in the cell wall including M protein, LTA, and F protein [6,25,51]. M protein not only helps bacteria to attach to the host tissue but also inhibits opsonization by binding to host complement regulators and to fibrinogen [52]. A recent study has demonstrated that S. pyogenes pilus promotes pharyngeal cell adhesion and biofilm formation [53]. Altering surface hydrophobicity by sub-minimum inhibitory concentration of penicillin and rifampin reduces the adhesion of S. pyogenes to epithelial cells suggesting that surface-associated LTA will determine the surface hydrophobicity content of S. pyogenes, which consequently affects the bacteria’s interaction with mammalian host cells [54,55,56].

S. agalactiae produces several virulence factors such as adhesins [6]. These surface proteins and LTA of S. agalactiae bacterial cell wall contribute to the adhesion process mediating the invasion of eukaryotic cells [30]. Non-encapsulated S. agalactiae strains show increased adherence to eukaryotic cells [30]. In vitro studies have shown that S. agalactiae adheres to vaginal, buccal, endothelial and pulmonary epithelial cells [30]. Many clinical isolates of S. mutans, S. pyogenes, and S. agalactiae have been reported to be hydrophobic while their avirulent counterpart strains lacked this feature [57,58,59,60]. Studies have shown that S. pneumoniae adheres to abiotic surfaces, e.g., polystyrene or glass, and forms three-dimensional biofilm structures that are about 25 micrometers deep [34]. This three-dimensional structure enables the bacteria to survive for long periods within the bacterial community [34].

1.3.2. Proton-Extrusion and Glycolysis of Streptococcal Species

Vital to the survival of bacteria is the regulation of the cytoplasmic pH as cellular activity requires a specific pH range [61]. Cytoplasmic pH is modulated by environmental pH, production, or consumption of internal protons, and transferring acids and bases across the plasma membrane [62]. The function of F-adenosine triphosphatase (F-ATPase) in streptococci is to regulate internal pH by pumping protons out of the cell [62,63]. The physiological role of streptococcal F₀F₁-ATPase is to alkalinize the cytoplasmic pH in the acidic pH range and to establish a proton reserve for a variety of secondary transport systems [64,65,66]. Streptococci are deficient in respiratory chains and are unable to produce a large proton gradient across the membrane, however, they make up for this lack by utilizing a range of basic transport systems [66]. For example, synthesizing a cytochrome-like respiratory chain, formation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) from adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and inorganic phosphate by coupling the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen (NADH) oxidation with phosphorylation reaction [66,67,68]. Generally, ATPase in streptococci does not function as ATP synthase because of lack of a functional electron transport system; thus, it functions as hydrolase for proton movements coupled to ATP hydrolysis that are used for the generation of the proton gradient [66]. Streptococci utilize the glycolytic pathway to metabolize glucose to lactic acid [4,66]. Glucose is taken up, phosphorylated to glucose-6-phosphate through the phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent phosphotransferase system, and then converted to pyruvate, and eventually to lactic acid [66,69].

S. pneumoniae and oral streptococci could adapt to different environments and this capability is facilitated by ATPase regulating the intracellular concentration of solutes, including protons, and maintaining the pH homeostasis by proton extrusion [66,70]. Adherence is dependent: (i) on the synthesis of extracellular polysaccharides (mostly glucans) from the disaccharide sucrose through glucosyltransferases (GTFs) for S. mutans, and (ii) bacteria’s ability to produce acid by glycolysis and its tolerance to the produced acid [71]. S. mutans has the properties of acid production from sugar metabolism causing a drop in pH in dental plaque [72]. Low pH values in the plaque matrix leads to demineralization of tooth enamel, selection of acid-tolerant streptococci and eventually dental caries [72]. The glucans synthesized by GTFs promote the binding and accumulation of S. mutans and other bacteria on the tooth surface and contribute to the formation of biofilms [72,73,74,75]. S. mutans increases the proton-translocation, and F-ATPase activity when the environment’s pH drops, thereby this bacterium could withstand acidification influences [66,76,77]. F-ATPase transfers protons out of cells with the assistance of ATP hydrolysis to maintain its intracellular pH (e.g., more alkaline than the extracellular environment) [76]. F-ATPase enzyme is composed of two domains; (i) F₁, the cytoplasmic catalytic domain; and (ii) F₀, the proton-conducting membrane domain [67,78]. S. mutans does not produce catalase or cytochromes (thus a heme-based electron transport system) and so does not have oxidative phosphorylation linked to trans-membrane electron transport [66,79].

1.3.3. Glucan Synthesis, Aggregation and Quorum Sensing of Streptococcal Species

Glucans interact with surface-associated glucan binding proteins of S. mutans to initiate colonization, cell-cell aggregation and the firm adherence of its cells to tooth surfaces [72,80]. S. mutans produces three types of GTFs: GTFB, GTFC, GTFD, and each of these enzymes are composed of two functional domains: (i) an amino-terminal catalytic domain (CAT); and (ii) a carboxyl-terminal glucan-binding domain (GBD) [81]. GTFB and GTFC, located on the cell surface, are encoded by gtfB and gtfC genes and GTFD is encoded by the gtfD gene [82]. Therefore, one of the strategies to control biofilm formation and dental caries is to inhibit the activity of GTFs: (i) GTFB (which synthesizes a polymer of mostly insoluble α1, 3-linked glucan); (ii) GTFC (which synthesizes a mixture of insoluble α-1,3-linked glucan and soluble α-1,6-linked glucan); and/or (iii) GTFD (which synthesizes water-soluble glucans rich in α-1,6-glucosidic linkages) [83,84].

Many streptococci use quorum-sensing systems to regulate several physiological properties, including the ability to incorporate foreign deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), tolerate acid, form biofilm, and become virulent [85,86,87,88]. Quorum sensing, a strategy of cell-to-cell communication in a biofilm community, regulates unnecessary over-population and nutrient competition [89,90]. Bacterial activities including virulence gene expression within biofilms is regulated by the occurrence of quorum sensing [91]. This topic as well has comprehensively been discussed in review articles [87,92,93].

1.4. Treatment of Streptococcal Infection

Penicillin or one of its derivatives (e.g., amoxicillin and ampicillin) are the recommended antibiotic treatment for non-allergic patients diagnosed with S. pyogenes and S. agalactiae infections [27]. For allergic individuals, azithromycin and clarithromycin are recommended and in fact, azithromycin is prescribed more commonly than penicillin [94]. For severe S. pyogenes infections like necrotizing fasciitis and toxic shock syndrome, a combination of penicillin and clindamycin are prescribed [95]. S. pyogenes and S. agalactiae are not resistant to penicillin, but over time they have become resistant to clindamycin, tetracycline, vancomycin and macrolides (e.g., erythromycin, azithromycin and clarithromycin) [27]. Clarithromycin, clindamycin and vancomycin resistance among S. pyogenes and S. agalactiae strains are most concerning [27].

1.5. Antibiotic Resistance and Emerging Threats

Antimicrobial resistance is compromising the treatment of invasive infections including severe streptococcal infections [27]. This threat becomes significant in vulnerable patients (e.g., individuals undergoing chemotherapy, dialysis and organ transplants) due to infection-related complications [27]. This puts healthcare providers in the position to use antibiotics that may be more toxic to the patient, and frequently more expensive, leading to an increased risk of long-term disability and lower survival rates [27].

According to Frieden, director of the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), antimicrobial resistance is a serious health threat in the 21st century [27]. Infections caused by resistant bacteria are now on the rise and their resistance to multiple types and classes of antibiotics is worrisome [96]. The decrease in the rate of pathogen susceptibility to antibiotics has made it much more difficult to combat the infectious diseases [27]. The CDC’s 2013 report has prioritized drug-resistant S. pneumoniae as a serious threat, and erythromycin-resistant S. pyogenes and clindamycin-resistant S. agalactiae as concerning threats [27].

1.6. Possible Alternatives for Classical Antibiotics

Plants produce diverse secondary metabolites or phytochemicals, most of which are isoprenoids and polyphenols and their oxygen-substituted derivatives such as tannins that could be raw materials for future drugs [97]. Herbs and spices contain useful medicinal compounds including antibacterial chemicals, and researchers have found that many of these compounds inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria [97]. Accordingly, experimental observations have shown that herbal preparations are active against many of the pathogens (Table 2).

Table 2.

Folklore medicine used for Streptococcal diseases or diseases with similar clinical Presentations.

Folklore Medicinal Plant	Targeted Disease Condition
Agrimonia eupatoria L.	Acute sore throat and chronic nasopharyngeal catarrh [118,119]
Arnica montana L.	Inflammation of oral, throat region [99,120,121]
Lonicera japonica Thunb.	Erysipelas, pharyngitis, upper respiratory infection [100]
Morella cerifera (L.) Small	Cold and sore throat [101,122]
Parmentiera aculeate (Kunth) Seem	Otitis media [123]
Adansonia digitata L.	Otitis media [102,124]
Anacardium occidentale L.	Sore throat [103,125]
Uvaria chamae P. Beauv.	Sore throat [64,126,127]
Adansonia digitata L.	Inflamed gums and infected teeth [128]
Carica papaya L.	Toothache [129]
Hyoscyamus niger L.	Toothache [130,131]
Eucalypthus camaldulensis Dehn.
Anacardium occidentale L.	Toothache, sore gums [132]
Annona reticulata	Toothache [133,134]
Annona squamosa Linn
Uvaria chamae P. Beauv	Inflamed gums [135]
Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet, Baliospermum axillare Blume, Blumea lacera (Burm. f.) DC., Canna indica L., Ocimum tenuiflorum L., Oroxylum indicum (L.) Vent., Polygonum aviculare L., Solanum indicum Linn., Vernonia patula (Aiton) Merrill [136]	For the relief of symptoms of bronchitis, pneumonia, influenza [136]
Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. ex Nees [137,138]	Treatment of sepsis [137,138]

From the period of 1981 to 2006, 109 new antibacterial drugs were approved for treatment of infectious diseases of which 69% originated from natural products, and 21% of antifungal drugs were natural derivatives or compounds mimicking natural products [98]. Various medicinal plants have recently been tested for their antimicrobial activity and all have proven that phytochemicals, particularly polyphenols, exhibit significant antibacterial activity against Streptococcus species (Table 3).

Table 3.

Inhibitory effects of phytochemicals against selected Streptococcus species.

Species	Strain	Plant	EM	MIC, IZD	Ref.
S. pyogenes		Passiflora foetida L.	EE, ACE	100–400 µg/mL, 10–20 mm	[139]
	ATCC 19615	Ageratum conyzoides L.	AE, EE, ME	1–2 mg/mL	[140]
		Laggera tomentosa Sch-Bip
		Syzygeum guineense DC.
		Cordia africana Lam.
		Ferula communis L.
		Discopodium peninervum Hochst
		Olea europea subsp. cuspidate
		Crescentia cujete L.	CEE	5 mg/mL	[141]
	Cl	Uvaria chamae P. Beauv	CAE, HAE	9–12 mm, 100 µg/mL	[127]
		Vernonia amygdalina Del.
		Garcinia kola Heckel
	CI	Uvaria chamae P. Beauv	CDEE, HEE	6–21 mm, 100 µg/mL	[127]
		Vernonia amygdalina Del.
		Garcinia kola Heckel
		Aframomum melegueta Schum.
	CI	Zingiber officinale Roscoe	EE	2–6 mm, 0.0005–0.389 µg/mL	[142]
	CI	Garcinia kola Heckel	EE	0.0005–0.44 µg/mL	[142]
	CI	Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt	HE	5.5–7 mm	[143]
	CI	Eucalyptus globulus Labill.	ME	32–64 mg/L	[144]
	HITM 100	Quercus ilex L.	BE, EAE	10 mm, 512 μg/mL	[106]
	CI	Prunus armeniaca L.	CEE, BE	250 μg/mL	[145]
	ATCC 19615	Capsicum chinense Jacq.	AE	15–34 mm	[146]
	ATCC 19615	Allium sativum L.	AE	29 mm	[146]
	CI	Spilanthes acmella Murr.	CHE	256 μg/mL	[147]
	CI	Cinnamomum zeylanicum Garcin ex Blume	EO	6.25 µL/mL	[107]
	CI	Thymus vulgaris L. Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perr	EO	12.5 µL/mL	[107]
	CI	Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw.	EE	10–15 mm	[108]
S. mutans	ATCC 25175	Coffea canephora Pierre ex Froehner	AE	5 mg/mL	[148,149]
	ATCC 25175	Baeckea frutescens L.	75% ME	14–22 mm, 20, 50 mg/mL	[150,151]
		Glycyrrhiza glabra L.
		Kaempferia pandurata Roxb.
		Physalis angulata L.
		Quercus infectoria Oliv.
	MTCC-890	Nut gall (Quercus infectoria)	Petro, ether Water, metahnol	12–23 mm	[150]
	UA159	Rheedia brasiliensis Planch. & Triana	HE	1.25–2.5 μg/mL	[152]
	UA159	Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze	Epigallocatechin gallate by HPLC	31.25 μg/mL	[153]
	ATCC 700610	Prosopis spicigera Linn.	ACE, CHE DEE, EAE, EE, ME, PEE	9.76–1250 μg/mL	[154]
	ATCC 700610	Zingiber officinale Roscoe	ACE, CHE DEE, EAE, EE, ME, PEE	625–2500 μg/mL	[154]
		Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague ex Turrill	CE, PEE	40–320 μg/mL	[155]
	ATCC 25175	Siraitia grosvenorii (Swingle) A. M. Lu & Zhi Y. Zhang	commercial extract	6 μg/mL	[156,157]
S. puenomonia	CI	Zingiber officinale Roscoe	EE	0.001–0.7 µg/mL	[142]
	serotype 6B	Agaricus blazei Murill	AE		[158]
	serotype 6B	Plantago major L.	AE	0.48 mg/kg	[159]
	ATCC 49619, penicillin resistant and sensitive clinical strains	Garcinia afzelii Engl.	90% EE	6– >1500 µg/mL	[160]
		Andira inermis (W. Wright) Kunth ex DC.
		Keetia hispida (Benth.) Bridson
		Uapaca togoensis Pax Combretum molle (R. Br. x. G. Don)
		Erythrina senegalensis DC.
		Piliostigma thonningii (Schum.)
	CI	Garcinia kola Heckel	EE	0.00008–1.7 µg/mL	[142]
	CI	Eucalyptus globulus Labill.	ME	16–32 mg/L	[144]
	ATCC 49619	Salvia tom entosa Mill.	EO	2.25 mg/mL	[161]
	CI	Thymus vulgaris L. Cinnamomum zeylanicum Garcin ex Blume	EO	6.25 µL/mL	[107]
	Antibiotic resistant strains	Eucalyptus globulus Labill.	CAE	0.7 mg/mL	[162]
	CI	Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perr	EO	12.5 µL/mL	[107]
	ATCC 49619	Euphorbia hirta L.	AE, EE, ME	6–11 mm, 60–80 mg/mL	[163]
		Laggera tomentosa Sch-Bip	ME, AE	1–2 mg/mL	[140]
		Syzygeum guineense (Wild.) DC.
		Cordia africana Lam.
		Ferula communis L.
		Olea europea subsp. cuspidate
S. agalactiae	NCIM 2401	Ficus tsiela Roxb.	EE	9.5 mm	[109]
	NCIM 2401	Hibiscus sabdariffa L.	AE	9 mm	[109]
	HITM 80	Quercus ilex L.	BE, EAE	8–11 mm, 512 μg/mL	[106]
	CI	Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perr Cinnamomum zeylanicum Garcin ex Blume	EO	12.5 µL/mL	[107]
	CI	Thymus vulgaris L.	EO	6.25 µL/mL	[107]
	CI	Spathodea campanulata P. Beauv.	CAE, CME	2–7 mm	[110]
		Tridax Procumbens L.
		Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw.	EE	15 mm	[108]

Abbreviations: ACE; Acetone Extract, AE; Aqueous Extract, BE; Butanolic Extract, CAE; Crude Aqueous Extract, CDEE; Cold Ethanolic Extract, CE; Crude Extract, CHE; Chloroform Extract, CEE; Crude Ethanolic Extract, CI; Clinical Isolate, CME; Crude Methanolic Extract, DEE; diethyl ether extract, EAE; Ethyl Acetate Extract, EE; Ethanolic Extract, EM; Extraction Method, EO; Essential Oil, HAE; Hot Aqueous Extract, HE; Hexane Extract, HPLC; High Performance Liquid Chromatography, IZD; Inhibition Zone Diameter, ME; Methanolic Extract, MIC; Minimum Inhibitory Concentration, PE; Petroleum Extract, PEE; Petroleum Ether Extract, Ref.; References.

2. Anti-Streptococcal Attributes of Phytochemicals

Many fruits and plants have shown to possess anti-streptococcal effects (Table 3). Folklore medicinal plants have long been used for the treatment of S. pyogenes infections (Table 2) including pharyngitis. For example cashew plant (Anacardium occidentale), stickwort (Agrimonia eupatoria), mountain daisy (Arnica montana), bayberry (Myrica cerifera), soft leafed honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), cuajilote (Parmentiera aculeate) or baobab (Adansonia digitata) [99,100,101,102,103,104], (Table 2). Particularly more attention has been given to anti-streptococcal effects of phytochemicals against S. mutans due to its cariogenic properties. A wide range of commercial and freshly prepared polyphenolic rich extracts (70% propanone) of various teas including green and black tea, lemon, cinnamon, hibiscus, peppermint, grape seed, sloe berry skin, cocoa, blackberry, pomegranate skin, blackcurrant, hawthorn berry skin, red and white wine was tested for their anti-streptococcal activity against oral streptococci (various strains of S. mutans, S. oralis, S. gordonii, S. salivarius, S. sanguis) [105]. All the tested products exhibited their minimum inhibitory effect at concentrations ranging 0.25–32 mg/mL against Streptococcus species [105]. Red grape seed propanone extract was most potent against S. mutans and Agro tea extract least effective with minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.5 mg/mL and 32 mg/mL respectively [105]. Phytochemicals, although very limited, also have been shown to hinder the growth of S. agalactiae [106,107,108,109,110,111,112]. Aqueous, ethanolic and chloroform extracts of bael, Indian gooseberry, moringa, neem, Chinese mahogany exert their minimum inhibitory effects at concentrations ranging from 0.15 mg/mL to 10 mg/mL against S. agalactiae, chloroform extract of Chinese mahogany being the most active one [111]. In a study by Nguelefack et al. ethyl acetate bark extract of Distemonanthus benthamianus at Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of 4096 µg/mL was effective against S. agalactiae and its phytochemical profile was indicative of presence of flavonoids and phenolics and absence of sterols, triterpenes and alkaloids [113]. Moderate inhibitory effect of wild Asparagus racemosus ethanol extract at concentration of 500 μg/disc was also reported for S. agalactiae [114].

2.1. Phytochemicals with Inhibitory Activities against Adhesion, Plaque, and Biofilm Formation

Phytochemical-rich extracts and their associated pure compounds have repeatedly shown inhibitory effects against adhesion, plaque, and biofilm formation of streptococcal species (Table 4 and Table 5). High molecular weight non-dialysable materials extracted from cranberry juice (NDM) exhibit adhesion reduction activity in a dose-dependent manner at concentrations of 66–1330 µg/mL against S. sobrinus [115]. In another study, the ethanolic extract of Helichrysum italicum at concentrations of 15–31 µg/mL inhibited the sucrose-dependent adherence of S. mutans cells to a glass surface by 90% to 93% [116]. Cranberry juice powder (25%) at 500 μg/mL concentration inhibited the biofilm formations of S. sobrinus and S. sanguinis significantly [117]. In the same study, cranberry juice powder decreased the cell surface hydrophobicity of S. mutans and S. sobrinus 6715 by more than 40% [117].

Table 4.

Inhibitory effects of phytochemicals against adhesion, biofilm formation and hydrophobicity.

Plant/Fruit Name	Bioactive Compounds and EM	Bacterial Strain	Concentration and Assay Type	Results	Ref.
Maidenhair tree (Ginkgo biloba L.) South African geranium (Pelargonium sidoides DC.) Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton)	Purified PAC, AE, AEE, ME	S. pyogenes DSM 2071	P. sidoides 40% G. biloba 100% Adhesion reduction at 3 h incubation time	P. sidoides 40% G. biloba 25%	[164]
Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton)	High MW non-dialyzable materials Juice powder 25% concentration, dissolved in water	S. mutans MT 8148R, JC2, Ingbritt, ATCC 10449 S. criceti E49 S. oralis ATCC 10557 S. mitis ATCC 9811 S. gordonii Challis	100–500 μg/mL Inhibition of biofilm formation	Significant inhibition	[117]
		S. mutans MT 8148R, JC2, Ingbritt S. sobrinus 6715	Effect on hydrophobicity	40%–60% reduction
Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.)	PP fractions Oligomers: Monomer MW 290 Dimer MW 578 Tetramer MW 1154 Pentamer MW 1442 HE	S. mutans NCTC 10449 CI of S. sanguinis LDI1	35 μM Biofilm biomass reduction after 4 h	In absence of sucrose S. sanguinis 48% S. mutans 68%	[165]
				In presence of sucrose S. sanguinis 79% S. mutans 44%
Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton)	High MW non-dialysable material, CJ	S. sobrinus 6715	1.33 mg/mL Adhesion to glucan or fructan coated hydroxyapatite reduction	95%	[115]
Red grape (Vitis vinifera L.) Pine bark	Red grape marc extract (GME): 20% PP, 3% A, Red wine extract (RWE): 95% PP Pine bark extract (PBE) Commercial preparation	S. mutans ATCC 25175	2 mg/mL Adhesion to glass surface Inhibition	GME significant inhibition, RWE, PBE effective at >4 mg/mL	[166]
Blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) Small cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos L.) Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) Cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus L.) Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum L.) Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) Sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.)	Molecular size of fractions; F1 <10 kDa, F2 10–100 kDa, F3 >100 kDa F2 and F3: polyphenol macromolecular complexes: PACs, polyhydroxy flavonoids AE, CJ	CI of S. pneumoniae SB 53845 S. agalactiae B133 III R	Binding activity of bacterial cells	S. pneumonia bound to fraction FI of cranberry and bilberry juices S. agalactiae bound to bilberry juice and cranberry fractions FII and FIII and to all fractions of cranberry juice and lingonberry	[112]
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perr)	CAE	S. mutans ATCC 25175	20 mg/mL Precent cell-surface hydrophobicity	0.3% ± 0.1%	[167]
	CAE	S. mutans ATCC 25175	20 mg/mL Adherence inhibition	100%
	CME	S. mutans ATCC 25175	20 mg/mL Percent cell-surface hydrophobicity reduction	25.2% ± 4.7%
	CME	S. mutans ATCC 25175	15 mg/mL Adherence inhibition	100%
Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.)	Bean husk extract 12.6% PP compounds 30% EE	S. mutans MT8148	1 mg/mL Adherence to saliva-coated hydroxyapatite inhibition	31%	[168]
		S. mutans MT8148	1 mg/mL Plaque formation inhibition	Significantly inhibited
Guava (Psidium guajava L.)	Quercetin-3-O-alpha-l-arabinopyranoside (guaijaverin) ME	S. mutans MTCC1943	2 mg/mL Percent cell hydrophobicity	20%	[169]
Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton)	PP fraction	S. sobrinus 6715 S. sobrinus B13 S. mutans MT8148R S. mutans JC2	500 μg/mL Hydrophobicity reduction	S. sobrinus 6715 90% S. sobrinus B13 85% S. mutans MT 8148R 90% S. mutans JC2 65%	[170]
Devil’s horsewhip (Achyranthes aspera L.)	AE, BE, ME, PEE	CI of S. mutans	125 µg/mL Biofilm inhibition	Complete to partial biofilm inhibition	[171]
Meswak (Salvadora persica L.)	ACE, AE, CHE, EE, ME	CI of S. mutans	2.6 mg/mL Biofilm inhibition	significant inhibition	[172]
Indian gooseberry (Emblica Officinalis L.)	CE, EF	S. mutans MTCC 497	39.04 µg/mL CE, 78.08 µg/mL ethanolic fraction Biofilm inhibition	50% inhibition	[173]
			156 µg/mL CE and 312.5 µg/mL ethanolic fraction Adherence inhibition	50% inhibition
			Hydrophobicity reduction	Partial reduction
Papaya (Carica papaya L.)	Fermented papaya preparation (FPP) Alkaloids Flavonoids Glucosides Anthraquinones	S. mutans 25175 S. mitis 6249	50 mg/mL Percent hydrophobicity	S. mutans: 1.01% S. mitis: 7.66%	[174]
Curry (Helichrysum Italicum G. Don)	Apigenin Luteolin Gnaphaliin Naringenin Pinocembrin Tiliroside EE	S. mutans ATCC 35668 S. salivarius ATCC 13419 S. sanguis ATCC 10556	16–31 μg/mL Adherence to glass surface inhibition	90%–93%	[116]
			sub-MIC 8–31 μg/mL Cell-surface hydrophobicity reduction	90%

Abbreviations: A; Anthocyanin, ACE; Acetone Extract, AE; Aqueous Extract, AEE; Aqueous Ethanolic Extract, BE; Butanolic Extract, CAE; Crude Aqueous Extract, CE; Crude Extract, CHE; Chloroform Extract, CI; Clinical Isolate, CJ; Concentrated Juice, CME; Crude Methanolic Extract, EE; Ethanolic Extract, EF; Ethanolic Fractions, EM; Extraction Method, FPP; Fermented Papaya Preparation, GME; Red Grape Marc Extract, HE; Hexane Extract, kDA; Kilodalton, ME; Methanolic Extract, MW; Molecular Weight, PAC; Proanthocyanidin, PBE; Pine Bark Extract, PEE; Petroleum Ether Extract, PP; Polyphenol, Ref.; References, RWE; Red Wine Extract.

Table 5.

Inhibitory effects of pure phytochemicals against adhesion, biofilm formation, quorum sensing and hydrophobicity.

Bioactive Compounds	Bacterial Strain	Concentration and Assay Type	Results	Ref.
(−)-Epicatechin (−)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate (−)-epigallocatechin (−)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate	S. pyogenes DSM 2071	30 μg/mL Adhesion reduction to HEp-2 cells	(−)-epigallocatechin 15% (−)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate 40%	[164]
Morin	S. pyogenes MGAS 6180	225 μM Biofilm biomass reduction	50%–60%	[175]
Ursolic acid (UA) Oleanolic acid (OA)	S. mutans UA159 Actinomyces viscosus ATCC 15987	1024 μg/mL Adherence inhibition to tooth surface	Complete inhibition	[176]
EGCG	ComC-deficient S. mutans	0.25 mg/mL Biofilm inhibition	81% Biofilm inhibition	[177]
		QS inhibition	Partial inhibition

Abbreviations: ComC; competence factor, EGCG; Epigallocatechingallate, HEp-2; Human Epithelial Type 2 (Hep-2) Cells, OA; Oleanolic Acid, QS; Quorum Sensing, Ref.; References, UA; Ursolic Acid.

In a different study, anti-adhesion, biofilm inhibition and eradication activity of the two-terpenoids, ursolic acid (UA) and oleanolic acid (OA), were examined. UA and OA showed a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 256 µg/mL and 1024 µg/mL against S. mutans UA159, respectively [176]. The Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) for UA and OA against the same bacterium were 256 µg/mL and >1024 µg/mL correspondingly [176]. Microtiter plate biofilm assay showed that sub-MIC dose of the compounds inhibited the biofilm formation [176]. Gallic acid at 1–4 mg/mL concentration inhibited up to 70% of S. mutans biofilm establishment [178]. Gallic acid, quercetin, and tannic acid all produced significant biofilm inhibition attributes against S. mutans however gallic acid was most potent [179]. Methyl gallate at concentrations of 1–4 mg/mL rendered biofilm formation of S. mutans to up to 80% [178]. Green and oolong tea contain substantial quantities of gallic acid and epigallocatechin gallate and have exhibited slight inhibition effect on the attachment of S. mutans and other oral bacterial to collagen, tooth surfaces and gingival cell line [180]. In the same study, fermented tea with high tannin content opposed to green tea and oolong tea had shown more activity towards attachment of S. mutans and other oral bacterial to collagen, tooth surfaces and gingival cell line [180].

Adhesion of S. mutans to the tooth surface was hindered after treatment with UA at 256 µg/mL [176]. Sub-MIC dose of UA also affected the adhesion consequently hindering the biofilm formation [176]. UA moreover eradicated the biofilm cells at concentrations of 500–2000 µg/mL [176]. Polyphenolics-rich tea extract at concentrations as low as 1–4 mg/mL prevented the attachment of S. mutans to collagen coated hydroxyapatite beads [181].

In another study, the effect of cocoa polyphenol fractions on S. mutans biofilm reduction in the absence and presence of sucrose were measured. At 35 μM concentration and after 4 h, biofilm mass was reduced to 68% in the absence of sucrose and to 44% in the presence of sucrose [165]. Biofilm of S. mutans on saliva coated hydroxyapatite surface was preformed and then treated (60 s) with purified proanthocyanidin (PAC)-containing fraction of cranberry (various degree of polymerization) [182]. At concentrations of 100 µM (single or combined fractions in 1:1 ratio), confocal 3D images show distorted architecture and deficient biofilm accumulation suggestive of reduced biomass and thickness of adherent bacteria and EPS [182]. Expressions of 119 genes of S. mutans within biofilm were altered post exposure to PAC-rich fractions of cranberry [182]. The expression of genes particularly related to adhesion, acid stress tolerance, glycolysis and other cellular activities during biofilm development were downregulated [182]. Structure activity relationship analysis revealed that PAC oligomers with more than eight epicatechin units exhibit higher anti-adhesion effects up to 85% against S. mutans however the increase in potency is not proportional [182]. This not only is associated with degree of polymerization but may also be associated with number and location of A-type linkages in the oligomers, and type of interflavan bonds [182].

The anti-adhesive properties of root extract of Pelargonium sidoides have been studied against S. pyogenes attachment to human epithelial type 2 (HEp-2) cells [164]. Results have shown that after pre-treatment of S. pyogenes with methanol insoluble and methanol soluble fractions of the extracts of Pelargonium sidoides at concentrations of 30 µg/mL, adhesion of the pathogen to HEp-2 cells was inhibited up to 30% to 35% [183]. To characterize the anti-adhesive constituents of these fractions, comparative chemical studies were performed. The study revealed that the proanthocyanidins content of the fraction was of prodelphinidin nature, and inhibition of the adhesion was in a specific rather than non-specific manner [164,183]. Successful inhibition of adhesion and hydrophobic interactions could reduce and or prevent sore throat caused by S. pyogenes [164]. It has been suggested that polymeric flavonoids or other large molecule polyphenols may exhibit higher anti-adhesion effects against streptococci [180]. Coffee high molecular weight fraction nearly completely (91%) hindered the adhesion of S. mutans [184].

Similarly, a study on the binding activity of S. pneumoniae and S. agalactiae to different molecular size fractions (F1, F2, F3) of Vaccinium family polyphenols found that binding was highest to wild cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos) [112]. S. pneumoniae cells bound mostly to cranberry juice low-molecular size fraction (F1) and S. agalactiae cells to high-molecular size fraction (F3) [112]. S. pneumoniae bound to F1 of bilberry and cranberry juices and S. agalactiae attached most actively to F2 and F3 of berry and juice preparations belonging to Vaccinium species [112]. Phytochemical analysis has shown that F2 and F3 fractions contain polyphenol macromolecular complexes, including proanthocyanidins and polyhydroxy flavonoids [112]. At sub-MIC level of 2 mg/mL red grape marc extract, composed of 20% polyphenols and 3% anthocyanin, inhibited the adherence of S. mutans and Fusobacterium nucleatum cells to glass surface [166]. Morin, a flavonol, reduced biofilm biomass of S. pyogenes at concentrations exceeding 225 μM up to 65% [175]. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) of Camellia sinensis has various physiological effects on S. mutans UA159 (Figure 1) and has been proven to inhibit the enzymatic activity of glucosyltransferases, F₁F₀-ATPase, lactate dehydrogenase, biofilm formation and growth [153].

Figure 1.

Chemical structure of polyphenols with inhibition activity against adherence, biofilm biomass and hydrophobicity. Abbreviations: AI; Adherence Inhibition, BR; Biofilm Biomass Reduction, HR; Hydrophobicity Reduction, MOA; Mode of Action, Ref.; References.

2.2. Phytochemicals with Inhibitory Activities against F-ATPase and Glycolytic pH-drop

Phytochemical-rich extracts not only possess anti-adhesion, anti-plaque and anti-biofilm attributes, but also have demonstrated inhibitory effects on streptococcal species F-ATPase and glycolytic pH-drop activities (Table 6, Figure 2). Plants and fruits have been studied for their anti-streptococcal effects and fruits such as cranberry (V. macrocarpon), cocoa (Theobroma cacao), babchi (Psoralea corylifolia), mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) and grape (Vitis vinifera) have shown inhibitory effects on F₀-ATPase and F₁-ATPase, glucosyltransferases (GTFB and GTFC) and acid production activities of S. mutans [80,84,165,185]. The lack of inhibitory activity of monophenolic compounds suggest that the inhibition of F₁–F₀-ATPase by phenolics require two or more phenolic structures [186]. The flavones have also been shown to interact with other ATPases, such as Ca²⁺-ATPase [187] and Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase [188], in addition to their inhibitory effects on F₁–F₀-ATPase [189]. Glycolysis of S. mutans is inhibited by α-mangostin leading to indirect inhibition of respiration by α-mangostin [190]. Glucan production by GTFs and F-ATPase is inhibited by α-mangostin suggesting that S. mutants can be eliminated selectively [190].

Table 6.

Inhibitory effects of phytochemicals on F-ATPase activity and glycolytic pH-drop.

Plant	Bioactive Compounds and EM	Bacterial Strain	Concentration and Assay Type	Results	Ref.
Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton)	FLAV A PAC	S. mutans UA159	PAC 500 µg/mL FLAV 125 µg/mL A 200 µg/mL F-ATPase activity inhibition	PAC alone or in combinations >85% FLAV 20%	[84]
			500 µg/mL Glycolytic pH-drop	PAC alone or in combinations pH 4.7–4.9
Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton)	Low MW PP	S. mutans UA159	500 µg/mL F-ATPase activity inhibition	Myricetin 32% procyanidin A2 29% Myricetin + procyanidin A2 43%	[191]
			Glycolytic pH-drop	Significant disruption
Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.)	Oligomers: Monomer MW 290 Dimer MW 578 Tetramer MW 1154 Pentamer MW 1442 HE of PP fractions	S. mutans NCTC 10449 S. sanguinis LDI 1, CI	500 µM pentamer Glycolytic pH-drop	30%	[165]
Red wine grape (Vitis vinifera L.)	Gallic acid Catechin Epicatechin Procyanidin B1 Procyanidin B2 Resveratrol Fermented	S. mutans UA159	125 µg/mL F-ATPase activity inhibition	30%–65%	[195]
			500 μg/mL Glycolytic pH-drop	Significant inhibition
Green tea Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze	EGCG EE	S. mutans UA159	15.6 μg/mL Glycolytic pH-drop	Significant inhibition	[153]
Methuselah’s beard (Usnea longissima Ach.)	Herbo-metallic preparations	S. mutans	5%–15% Glycolytic enzymes inhibition (GEI)	Decreased ATPase, enolase, lactate dehydrogenase, protease, glucosidase, EPS and acid production activity	[196]
Purple mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.)	α-mangostin EE	S. mutans UA159 S. rattus FA-1 S. salivarius ATCC 13419	GEI	IC50 31 µM Lactic dehydrogenase, 45 µM Aldolase, 95 µM Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase inhibition	[190]

Abbreviations: A; Anthocyanin, EE; Ethanolic Extract, EGCG; Epigallocatechingallate, EM; Extraction Method, EPS; Exopolysaccharide, FLAV; Flavonol, F-ATPase; F-Adenosine triphosphatase, GEI; Glycolytic Enzymes Inhibition, HE; Hexane Extract, IC50; Inhibition Concentration 50%, MW; Molecular Weight, PAC; Proanthocyanidin, PP; Polyphenol, Ref.; References.

Figure 2.

Chemical structure of polyphenols with inhibition activity against F-ATPase, glycolytic enzymes and glycolytic pH-drop. Abbreviations: CI; Clinical Isolate, F-ATPAI; F-ATPase Activity Inhibition, GEI; Glycolytic Enzymes Inhibition, GpHDI; Glycolytic pH-Drop Inhibition, MOA; Mode of Action, Ref.; References.

Analysis of low molecular weight cranberry polyphenols against glucosyltransferases, acid production and F-ATPase activity of S. mutans UA159 has suggested that compounds like phenolic acids have no inhibitory effect on these virulence factors [84]. Quercetin, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, quercetin-3-O-galactoside, quercetin-3-O-arabinofuranoside, quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside, myricetin, PAC-monomer, PAC-dimer, and procyanidin A2, at the concentrations of 500 µM inhibited the enzymatic activity of the proton-translocating F-ATPase to some degree [191]. Myricetin, procyanidin A2 and the combination of the two were most effective inhibitors with 32%, 29% and 43% inhibition against F-ATPase activity, respectively [192]. The flavonoids, particularly myricetin, procyanidin A2 and the combination of the two significantly interrupted the glycolytic pH-drop by S. mutans cells; however, epicatechin, myricetin-3-O-rhamnoside, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid had no effect [191]. In presence of cocoa polyphenol pentamer, the terminal pH is increased to 4.67 ± 0.09 within 20 min while in untreated pH was as low as 4.50 ± 0.08 (S. mutans converts sucrose to acid and lowers the pH) [165]. These results suggest that 500 µM cocoa polyphenol pentamer reduced the rate of acid production, at pH 7.0, by 30% [165].

2.3. Phytochemicals with Inhibitory Activities against Glucosyltransferases, Aggregation, and Quorum Sensing

Moreover, phytochemicals-rich extracts have been reported for their inhibitory properties against glucosyltransferases, aggregation, and quorum sensing attributes of streptococcal species (Table 7). Low molecular weight polyphenols of cranberry reduced the glucan synthesis of S. mutans cells by GTFB and GTFC [191]. At 500 µM, the inhibition activities of the tested polyphenols varied from 15%–45% (epicatechin 15%, myricetin-3-O-rhamnoside 20%, procyanidin A2 30%, quercetin-3-O-arabinofuranoside 35% and quercetin-3-O-arabinofuranoside in combination with procyanidin A2 45%) [191]. It is notable that theaflavin of green tea at 10 mM inhibited the GTF activities of S. mutans significantly [193].

Table 7.

Inhibitory effects of phytochemicals on glucosyltransferases, aggregation and quorum sensing.

Plant/Fruit Name	Bioactive Compounds and EM	Bacterial Strain	Concentration and Assay Type	Results	Ref.
Whortleberry or Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.)	Molecular size of fractions; F1 <10 kDa, F2 10–100 kDa, F3 >100 kDa CJ	CI of S. mutans IH 113728 A. naeslundii AHP 28639, AHP 28651 F. nucleatum AHN 23952, AHN 23937	48 mg/g of SS Inhibition of aggregation and reversal activity	F2 of bilberry juice 100%	[194]
Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.)	AE	S. sobrinus ATCC 27607 S. mutans ATCC 25175 S. cricetus ATCC 19642 S. sanguis H7PR3	250 µg/mL Bacterial aggregation	Microscopically observable bacterial aggregation	[197]
Red Wine Grape (Vitis Vinifera L.), and its pomace	Gallic acid Catechin Epicatechin Procyanidin B1 Procyanidin B2 Resveratrol	S. mutans UA159	62.5 µg/mL Inhibition of GTF B and C activities	70%–85%	[195]
Green tea and black tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze), and polyphenol mixtures	Theaflavin: its mono- and digallates (+)-catechin (−)-epicatechin and their enantiomers Epigallocatechin (−)-gallocatechin HAE	S. mutans OMZ 176	Theaflavin 1–10 mM Inhibition of GTF activities	significant inhibition	[193]
Leaves of Oolong tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze)	Oolong tea polyphenol OTF6 (polymeric polyphenol) EE	S. mutans MT8148R	60–850 µg/mL rGTFs (rGTFB, rGTFD, rGTFC) synthesis inhibition	50%	[197]
Rock cinquefoil (Drymocallis rupestris (L.) Sojak)	PRU2 PRU TAC 155 mg/g TPC 4.6 mg/g TFC 10.2 mg/g	S. mutans CAPM 6067 S. sobrinus CAPM 6070, DSM 20381, downei CCUG 21020 S. sanguis ATCC 10556	0.75–1.5 mg/mL PRU and PRU2 Inhibition of GTF activities	60%	[198]
Apple (Malus domestica Borkh.)	Apple condensed tannins (ACT) Apple PP and apple juice	S. mutans MT 8148 (serotype C) S. sobrinus 6715 (serotype G)	1.5–5 μg/mL ACT Inhibition of GTF activities	50%	[80]
Hop (Humulus lupulus L.)	High MW PP 36,000–40,000 AEE	S. mutans MT 8148 (serotype C) S. sobrinus ATCC 33478 (serotype G)	0.1% Inhibition of GTF activities	significant effect	[199]
Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton)	FLAV A PAC	S. mutans UA159	PAC; 500 µg/mL FLAV; 125 µg/mL A; 200 µg/mL Inhibition of GTF B and C activities	FLAV, PAC or in combination 30%–60%	[84]
Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton)	High MW non-dialysable material (NDM) CJ	S. sobrinus 6715	2 mg/mL Inhibition of GTF, FTF activities, 1 h incubation	GTF 20% FTF 40%	[115]
Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton)	Low MW PP	S. mutans UA 159	500 µM/L Reduction of glucan synthesis by GTFB, GTFC	Quercetin-3-arabinofuranoside + procyanidin A2 45%	[191]
Beard lichen (Usnea longissima Ach.)	Herbo-metallic preparations	S. mutans	5%–15% Inhibition of violacein production	Partial QS inhibition	[196]
Indian gooseberry (Emblica Officinalis L.)	Crude and EF	S. mutans MTCC 497		QS inhibition (suppression of comDE), glucan synthesis reduction	[173]
Marupá (Eleutherine americana Merr.) Rose myrtle (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Aiton) Hassk.	CE of different extractive solvents	CI of S. pyogenes and NPRC109	250 mg/mL QS inhibition	Partial to strong inhibition; R. tomentosa	[90]

Abbreviations: A; Anthocyanin, ACT; Apple condensed tannins, AE; Aqueous Extract, AEE; Aqueous Ethanolic Extract, CE; Crude Extract, CEE; Crude Ethanolic Extract, CI; Clinical Isolate, CJ; Concentrated Juice, comDE; two-component signal transduction system, EE; Ethanolic Extract, EF; Ethanolic Fractions, EM; Extraction Method, FLAV; Flavonol, FTF; Fructosyltransferase, GTF; Glucosyltransferases, HAE; Hot Aqueous Extract, KDa; Kilodalton, MW; Molecular Weight, NDM; High Molecular Weight Non-Dialysable Materials Extracted From Cranberry Juice, PAC; Proanthocyanidin, PP; Polyphenol, PRU; Aqueous Extract Sub-Fraction, PRU2; Diethyl Ether Sub-Fraction, QS; Quorum Sensing, Ref.; References, SS; Solid Soluble, TFC; Total Flavonoid Content, TPC; Total Proanthocyanidins Content, TTC; Total Tannin Content.

The effects of fractions (F1, F2, and F3) of juice concentrates of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus), crowberry (Empetrum nigrum and hermaphroditum), apple (Malus domestica), and blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) on anti-coaggregation and anti-aggregation activities of dental plaque bacteria have been tested [194]. Test has been done on the pairs of S. mutans IH 113728 with the two strains of Actinomyces naeslundii (AHP 28639 and AHP 28651) and S. mutans IH 113728 with the two strains of Fusobacterium nucleatum (AHN 23952 and AHN 23937) [194]. The anti-aggregation and anti-coaggregation activity was found in F2 and F3 of bilberry, blackcurrant, and crowberry and lingonberry juices [194]. Also, F2 and F3 of crowberry at 48 mg/g of Solid Solubles (SS) showed anti-co-aggregation against some of the pairs at 91% and 86%, respectively [194]. The anti-aggregation activity was detected in all bacterial pairs with fraction F2 of bilberry, crowberry and lingonberry juices [194]. The anti-aggregation was mainly achieved with a berry concentration of 48 mg/g of SS [194]. Analysis of composition of the juice fractions showed that F2 and F3 were composed of macromolecular polyphenol complexes, PAC, polyhydroxy flavonoids [194]. Absolute co-aggregation inhibition and anti-aggregation activity were achieved with the F2 of bilberry juice at the concentration of 48 mg/g of SS [194].

Crude extract of Eleutherine americana at 250 mg/mL inhibited the quorum-sensing of a clinical isolate of S. pyogenes, partially, while at the same concentration Rhodomyrtus tomentosa had a stronger inhibition activity [90]. Betulin, oleanane-3,12-dione, benzyl (6Z,9Z,12Z)-6,9,12-octadecatrienoate, and 3-benzyloxy-1-nitrobutan-2-ol possess great anti-quorum sensing inhibition activities (Figure 3A,B). Few bioactives compounds of A. aspera have shown to effectively interact with quorum sensing response regulators of S. mutans thus preventing expression of virulence elements [171]. Molecular docking revealed that A. aspera bioactive compounds, 3,12-oleandione and betulin, could inhibit quorum sensing by interacting with S. mutans OmpR subfamily QS regulatory DNA-binding response regulator and S. mutans glycosyltransferase (EPS synthesizing enzyme), respectively [171]. Al-Sohaibani et al. performed similar analysis on the bioactive compounds of Salvadora persica methanolic extract [172]. Results suggest that benzyl (6Z,9Z,12Z)-6,9,12-octadecatrienoate and 3-benzyloxy-1-nitrobutan-2-ol (Figure 3C,D) are capable of interacting with S. mutans OmpR subfamily QS regulatory DNA-binding response regulator thus hindering biofilm formation by this or similar quorum sensing pathway [172].

Figure 3.

Chemical structure of phytochemicals with S. mutans quorum sensing inhibition activity. (A): Betulin; (B): Oleanane-3,12-dione; (C): Benzyl (6Z,9Z,12Z)-6,9,12-octadecatrienoate; (D): 3-Benzyloxy-1-nitrobutan-2-ol.

3. Conclusions and Prospects

Each class of classical antibacterial agents (antibiotics) usually targets different sites and processes of pathogenic bacteria. Major antimicrobial actions include disruption of membrane structure, inhibition of protein synthesis, and inhibition of production of folate coenzymes, nucleic acids, and peptidoglycans. Natural antimicrobials like their synthetic counterparts (antibiotics) target different molecules and processes to inhibit the colonization and viability of the bacteria or to inactivate bacterial toxins and or modulate the molecules and processes pre-requisite for bacteria’s metabolic pathways or reduce the rate of protein synthesis. It is worth noting that natural antimicrobial products not necessarily have to be bactericidal to suppress such processes and activities. It is plausible that a compound is likely to be efficient bacterial growth inhibitor if it can deteriorate the cytoplasmic pH, increase the permeability of plasma membrane, prevent extracellular and intracellular microbial enzyme production, interrupt bacterial metabolic pathways, or disrupt plaque and biofilm formation. As observed, there is considerable amount of scientific evidence that phytochemicals exert significant multiple anti-streptococcal effects and apart from their bactericidal effects, their main bacteriostatic strategy is the anti-adhesiveness attribute.

The efficacy of natural products as antimicrobials with fewer or no side effects is likely to depend on the structure of the compound that interacts with the toxin or pathogen and not with molecules of the host meaning that their effect is specific. This approach has become the rationale for natural drug design studies as a new field of research. Attempts have been made to understand certain features relating to phytochemical structure and the associated antibacterial activity. High molecular weight and complex phytochemicals exert greater inhibitory effects such as pentamer polyphenolic fraction of cocoa, high molecular weight non-dialyzable material of cranberry and F2 or F3 fractions of crowberry and bilberry. The side effects of the current antimicrobials and the spread of drug-resistant microorganisms have become a significant concern and a threat to successful therapy of microbial diseases. Therefore, there is an urgent demand for the discovery of safe natural compounds with diverse chemical structures and mechanisms of action satisfying both the consumer and the healthcare providers as potential useful therapeutic tools of the post-antibiotic era. Intensive research on such plants could lead to the incorporation of the most potent chemically defined extracts into nutraceuticals or natural health products and becoming a solution to this global concern of evolution of drug-resistant microorganisms.

Author Contributions

All the authors contributed to the designing, writing, and editing of this review article.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest