Abstract

It is very common in Turkey to consume Eruca sativa, Ocimum basilicum L. and/orPetroselinum crispum either alone or in salads. These plants and also Cotinus coggygriaScop., are among the medicinal plants that have some concurrent qualifications such as antioxidant and antidiabetic effects. Saliva composition is an important factor to maintain oral health. The aim of this study was to determine, in vitro, the effect of aqueous extracts of these plants on glutathione level, superoxide dismutase and tissue factor activity in saliva samples. This study was performed on saliva samples obtained from clinically healthy subjects whose caries status and oral hygiene were similar. The aqueous extract was added to give final concentration of 1 mg of extract per ml of saliva sample and then it was incubated at 37°C for 1 h. Before and after incubation with aqueous extract, the saliva sample was examined for pH, buffering capacity, glutathione, tissue factor and superoxide dismutase activity. The saliva samples were also evaluated cytologically. In vitro incubation with aqueous extracts did not alter pH and protein levels of the saliva samples. All extracts affected saliva samples differently. These aqueous extracts may be of great interest for future studies with respect to treatment of oral diseases.

Key words: Aqueous plant extract, saliva, antioxidant parameters, in vitro.