This study aims to formulate a new Origanum vulgare anti-caries dental gel with high antimicrobial activity. O. vulgare essential oil was extracted using hydro-distillation, ethanol extraction, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and high-performance liquid chromatography methods. Antimicrobial activity of the produced gels with oregano oil and extract was determined through the disco-diffusion method. The effectiveness of O. vulgare essential oil was tested in vitro for Streptococcus mutans biofilm using colorimetric analysis. O. vulgare essential oil inhibited the growth of S. mutans biofilm by 98% compared with unexposed control bacteria (p <0.05). Five samples of anti-caries gel (ACDG1, ACDG2, ACDG3, ACDG4, ACDG5) were formulated using the obtained oregano essential oil and extract. Based on the microbiological study results, the ACDG1 and ACDG3 gel samples exhibited high antimicrobial activity against the gram-positive bacterial strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis and the yeast fungus Candida albicans and moderate antimicrobial activity against the gram-negative strains of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Based on the results of this study, the ACDG3 sample may be considered an anti-caries gel owing to its high antimicrobial activity. This sample has good organoleptic properties compared to other samples, produces relatively high antimicrobial activity, and guards against cariogenic biofilms of S. mutans.

The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the botany, phytochemistry, and biological activities of eight Salvia species, namely Salvia aethiopis L., S. sclarea L., S. dumetorum Andrz. ex Besser, S. deserta Schang., S. trautvetteri Rgl., S. macrosiphon Boiss., S. virgata Jacq., and S. verticillata L., which are widespread in Kazakhstan. The genus Salvia is renowned for its diverse medicinal properties, and these species are no exception, contributing to the rich natural pharmacopoeia of the region. The botanical characteristics of these species, including their morphological features, distribution, and ecological adaptations, are discussed. The present review also explores the phytochemical composition of these plants, focusing on bioactive compounds such as terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic acids, which are responsible for their medicinal potential. Biological activities including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective effects are evaluated based on available in vitro and in vivo studies. In addition, the review highlights the traditional uses of these species in local medicine and suggests avenues for future research to further elucidate their pharmacological potential. This synthesis provides valuable insights into the medicinal importance of these Salvia species in Kazakhstan and supports their continued exploration for therapeutic applications.

This review is devoted to a systematic analysis of studies aimed at investigating plant extracts, essential oils and phytochemical compounds capable of inhibiting Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation. This paper investigates the effect of extracts, essential oils and individual plant compounds on inhibiting the biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans, one of the major pathogens responsible for the development of dental caries. Using cultural microbiology and molecular biology techniques, the authors describe the mechanisms by which plant samples reduce Streptococcus mutans adhesion and growth. The results show that several plant components have antibacterial properties, contributing to the reduction of Streptococcus mutans colony numbers and inhibiting the synthesis of extract-exopolysaccharide matrices required for biofilm formation. This work highlights the potential of botanicals in inhibiting Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation, which can be applied as natural antimicrobial agents in the prevention and treatment of dental diseases. Views on the use of these plant extracts and their components in dental preparations such as toothpastes, rinses and gels aimed at preventing dental caries are evaluated. The review shows the relevance of the research to optimizing the use of plant extracts, essential oils, individual compounds and their active actions in the control of Streptococcus mutans biofilms.

Objectives. The creation of new herbal medicines for their use in dentistry is relevant. The purpose of this work is to study the acute toxicity of the anticaries dental gel (ACDG3) developed by us based on Origanum vulgare. Results. In case of studying the safety of anticaries dental gel ACDG3 in animals, that with a single dose of up to 2000mg/kg, the absence of pathological changes in the behavior of animals was noted. Biochemical studies indicate that the studied doses of dental gel did not lead to significant deviations in the blood parameters of mice and deviations fluctuated within the reference values. According to the results of a morphometric study conducted 15days after the administration of the drug, no deviations were found. The histological evaluation of organs showed little change in the cardiac architecture in animals treated with ACDG3 at doses of 1000mg/kg and 2000mg/kg. On the other hand, no significant changes in the cardiac function were observed in all treated mice. Conclusion. As follows from the results obtained, in case of determining acute toxicity, the studied anticaries gel, ACDG3, showed low toxicity. For mice, LD50 was 2000mg/kg intragastrically. So, according to the generally accepted classification of the toxicity of substances, ACDG3 can be attributed to the class of low-toxic substances (IV class of toxicity, LD50>5000mg/kg, intragastric administration), that is, to practically nontoxic compounds.

Background: Plants of the genus Iris L. (Iridaceae) attract the attention of researchers as a source of biologically active phenolic compounds with pronounced antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties. However, the toxicological assessment of individual species, including Iris scariosa L., remains limited, which hinders their pharmaceutical development. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute oral toxicity of ultrasonic ethanol extract of I. scariosa rhizomes in laboratory mice in accordance with OECD Guideline 425 (2001) and the regulatory requirements of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Methods: The extract was administered once intragastrically at doses of 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg, followed by 14 days of observation of clinical status, body weight dynamics, hematological, biochemical, and histomorphological parameters. Results: No fatalities were recorded. Blood parameters remained within physiological norms (p > 0.05). At the maximum dose, a slight, statistically insignificant increase in ALT and AST activity was observed, reflecting a compensatory response of hepatocytes without signs of cytolysis. Histopathological analysis revealed moderate reversible changes in renal tissue, characterized by vacuolization of the tubular epithelium, venous hyperemia, and mild inflammatory infiltration, while maintaining normal glomerular structure and absence of fibrosis. The morphology of the liver, pancreas, heart, and spleen remained unchanged. Conclusion: According to the OECD/GHS classification, I. scariosa extract is classified as a Category V substance (LD ₅₀ > 2000 mg/kg), which indicates low acute oral toxicity and good tolerability. The morphological reactions observed are temporary and adaptive in nature, probably associated with the biphasic response of phenolic compounds. The results confirm the safety of the extract and the need for further study of its chronic toxicity.

The accumulation of biofilm by Streptococcus mutans bacteria on dental hard tissues leads to dental caries which remains one of the most common oral diseases. Therefore, the development of new antibacterial agents is critical. The aim of the study was to analyze the component composition of essential oils for 4 species of common Kazakh plants (Hyssopus ambiguus (Trautv.) Iljin., Nepeta cataria L., Origanum vulgare L., Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam) and study their effect on the formation of biofilms of Streptococcus mutans. After hydrodistillation, the chemical composition of essential oils was analyzed using gas chromatography in conjunction with mass spectrometry. The amount of biofilm formed by the bacteria Streptococcus mutans was assessed using the colorimetric method and optical profilometry. Results. Using GC-MS analysis, the chemical composition of 4 plant species of the Lamiaceae family was established. 1.8-cineole is the main ingredient for the essential oils of Hyssopus ambiguus and Nepeta cataria, carvacrol for Origanum vulgare, pullegon for Ziziphora clinopodioides, and nepetolactone for Nepeta cataria. As a result of the experiment Origanum vulgare and Nepeta cataria essential oils demonstrated the highest suppressive effect on S. mutans biofilm formation in the medium containing 1% sucrose. Conclusion. The results of the research can be used to develop new therapeutic and prophylactic dental products.