Classification and Anti-Streptococcus mutans Mechanism Summary of Chinese Botanical Products

Dental caries, one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide, poses a significant threat to oral health. Streptococcus mutans is one of the key pathogenic bacteria associated with dental caries. Numerous Chinese botanical products (CBPs) have been shown to possess antibacterial effects against S. mutans. However, given the wide variety of CBPs that have been investigated, a systematic summary of their effects is needed. To address this need, in the present review, CBPs are categorized into five groups based on their major bioactive components: organic acid-based CBPs, alkaloid-based CBPs, phenol-based CBPs, anthraquinone-based CBPs, and other types. In addition to their chemical composition, the conventional use, pharmacological effects, and toxicity of these CBPs are also discussed, followed by an exploration of their anti-S. mutans mechanisms, including the synthesis of biofilm scaffolds and water-insoluble glucans, energy metabolism and soluble glucan production, acid generation and tolerance, bacterial cell integrity, remineralization processes, and intercellular communication via quorum sensing (QS). In summary, it is suggested that CBPs have considerable benefits in caries prevention and could be promisingly applied in clinical treatments.