1Resident Dental Intern, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, 160, Poonamallee High Road, Vellappanchavadi, Chennai 77. E-mail: javithsyed14@gmail.com
2*Associate Professor, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, 160, Poonamallee High Road, Vellappanchavadi, Chennai 77, Tamilnadu, India. E-mail: rameshr.sdc@saveetha.com (Corresponding Author)
Background: Cassia auriculata (Avaram) is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties; however, scientific validation against oral pathogens remains limited.
Aim: To evaluate and compare the antimicrobial activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Cassia auriculata against Candida albicans and Lactobacillus.
Materials and Methods: Aqueous and ethanolic extracts were prepared using standard extraction techniques. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion method at concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL. Zone of inhibition was measured and analyzed statistically. Molecular docking of quercetin and kaempferol with MurA protein (PDB ID: 1UAE) and ADMET profiling were also performed.
Results: Both extracts showed significant dose-dependent antimicrobial activity, with the ethanolic extract demonstrating higher efficacy. The maximum zone of inhibition was observed at 100 µg/mL (up to 26 mm against Lactobacillus). Docking studies revealed strong binding affinities (up to −8.7 kcal/mol), and ADMET analysis confirmed favorable pharmacokinetic and safety profiles.
Conclusion: Cassia auriculata, particularly its ethanolic extract, exhibits potent antimicrobial activity and promising drug-like properties, supporting its potential application in dental therapeutics.
Keywords: Cassia auriculata; Antimicrobial Agents; Candida albicans; Lactobacillus; Phytochemicals; Plant Extracts; Molecular Docking Simulation; Drug Design; Oral Health; Herbal Medicine; Good Health and Well-being
How to cite this article: Javith I, Ramesh R. Comparative Evaluation of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Cassia auriculata against Candida albicans and Lactobacillus: An In Vitro Antimicrobial Study with Molecular Docking and ADMET Profiling. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(13s): 509-519. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.13s.55
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None