In Vitro Evaluation of Photodynamic Activity of Plant Extracts from Senna Species against Microorganisms of Medical and Dental Interest.

Background: Bacterial resistance requires new treatments for infections. In this context, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is an effective and promising option. Objectives: Three plant extracts (Senna splendida, Senna alata, and Senna macranthera) were evaluated as photosensitizers for aPDT. Methods: Cutibacterium acnes (ATCC 6919), Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 35668), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), and Candida albicans (ATCC 90028) were evaluated. Reactive oxygen species production was also verified. Oral keratinocytes assessed cytotoxicity. LC-DAD-MS analysis identified the chemical components of the evaluated extracts. Results: Most species cultured in the planktonic phase showed total microbial reduction (>6 log10 CFU/mL/p < 0.0001) for all extracts. C. albicans cultured in biofilm showed total microbial reduction (7.68 log10 CFU/mL/p < 0.0001) for aPDT mediated by all extracts. Extracts from S. macranthera and S. alata produced the highest number of reactive oxygen species (p < 0.0001). The S. alata extract had the highest cell viability. The LC-DAD-MS analysis of active extracts showed one naphthopyrone and seven anthraquinones as potential candidates for photoactive compounds. Conclusion: This study showed that aPDT mediated by Senna spp. was efficient in microbial suspension and biofilm of microorganisms of medical and dental interest.

Photobiomodulation in the treatment of xerostomia associated with hyposalivation in a pediatric patient with systemic scleroderma

Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by excessive collagen production. The oral manifestations of the patient with scleroderma can include microstomia, xerostomia, and changes in the resorption teeth. We report the case of a 7-year-old female patient diagnosed with systemic scleroderma where photobiomodulation therapy was used to treat xerostomia associated with hyposalivation. She attended a pediatric clinic and presented with dry and rigid facial skin, trismus, xerostomia, malocclusion, and difficulty swallowing. Stimulated salivary flow was assessed before, during, and after treatment. Photobiomodulation therapy was conducted at four points at the sublingual glands with 660 nm, 100 mW, and 0.8 J/cm2 to each point; eight points at the parotid glands; and six points at the submandibular glands with 808 nm, 100 mW, and 0.8 J/cm2 for 8 seconds at each point. After this therapy, an increase in salivary flow, remission of the xerostomia, and an improvement in mastication and swallowing were observed. Photobiomodulation therapy was effective in controlling xerostomia in this pediatric patient, resulting in increased salivary flow and an improvement in her quality of life.