Abstract: Objective: To investigate effects of lemon essential oil (LEO) on the growth and adherence of periodontal pathogens. Methods: Microplate dilution assays were performed to determine the antibacterial effect of LEO on Prophyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn), A.actinomycetemcomitan (Aa), and P.intermedius (Pi). MTT method was employed to study the cytotoxic activity of LEO on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Results: The LEO exhibited moderate antibacterial activity on Pg and Pi (Minimum inhibitory concentration: MIC =9mg/mL) and strong antibacterial activity on Fn and Aa (MIC= 4.5mg/mL). The minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) was 9.0mg/mL (Fn and Aa). LEO showed no killing effect on Pg and Pi. The LEO’s concentration (<1/200 MIC) revealed no toxicity on HUVECs. Conclusion: LEO has a great potential to be used to treat periodontitis.

Key words: Lemon, essential, oil, Periodontal, pathogen, Minimal, inhibitory, concentration
Human, umbilical, vein, endothelial, cells