Pyrostegia venusta is a climbing plant popularly known as “flor-de-São-João”. In
traditional medicine is used to treat various diseases. Within the scientific literature
various bioactive compounds have been isolated and some important biological
activities as antimicrobial e immunomodulatory activities have been attributed to this
specie. Caries and periodontal disease are the most prevalent oral pathologies
among Brazilian population and dental biofilm is the main etiological factor of these
diseases. Oral candidiasis is an infection caused by species of the yeast Candida
which in some cases may behave as opportunistic pathogens. The aim of this study
was to evaluate the physical, chemical and biological aspects of Pyrostegia venusta
and its potential in the prevention of the main oral diseases. It was evaluated the
cytotoxicity of the crude extract and its fractions in peripheral blood mononuclear
cells and murine macrophages. The immunomodulatory activity of the crude extract
and its fractions was verified through the dosage of nitric oxide (NO) production by
macrophages murines stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Through broth
microdilution assay it was determined the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC),
minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC)
of the crude extract, fractions and isolated compounds. It was also evaluated the
inhibition of Streptococcus mutans adherence to a glass cover slip, pH reduction
capacity and the effect on germ-tube formation and budding of Candida albicans of
the crude extract and its fractions. Pyrostegia venusta was not cytotoxic at low
concentrations. NO production was inhibited by ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions.
Crude extract, fractions and isolated compounds have antimicrobial activity against
Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus oralis and Candida
albicans; they also inhibited the adherence and were able to reduce the pH. Crude
extract and hexane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions inhibited the germ-tube
formation and budding of Candida albicans. Pyrostegia venusta can be an alternative
in prevention and treatment of the main oral diseases. However, other studies are
necessary before it is considered as a promising specie.
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