Development of a toothpaste containing roots of

Euclea natalensis
D. Santos2, J. B. P. Silva1, J.C. Meneses2, . Santos2, E. F. Silva1, P. Lobo2, M. H.
Amaral2, J. M. Sousa Lobo2 , C. Gomes1
1

GeoBioTec Research Unit, University of Aveiro, University Campus of Santiago, Aveiro,

Portugal
2
Research Centre for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology,
Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Portugal

Teeth cleaning and disinfection of the oral cavity are habits that date back to the Greek
and Roman civilizations. The people of that time used for this purpose the stems and
roots of plants, because these materials possess abrasive properties.
The roots of Euclea natalensis are used by various African peoples in oral hygiene
(used as natural dentifrice), and it has being considered as the main plant used for this
purpose in Mozambique (popularly known by Mulala). Traditionally the root bark is
removed and the inner part is chewed until it gets crumbed, after being rubbed against
the teeth and gums. This process temporarily leaves the mouth and teeth with an orange
coloration, disappearing after a few hours [1].
In literature, many authors consider other applications particularly in the treatment of
dental caries, gingival bleeding and treatment of oral diseases because of its antifungal
and antibacterial activity (against microorganisms such as Bacillus cereus, Bacillus
pumilus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus kristinae) [2,3].
The roots were obtained at typical market in Maputo (Mozambique) and then treated in
the laboratory, proceeding to wash with purified water and then drying in a ventilated
oven, at approximately 40C. After drying, the roots were pulverized and passed
through a sieve with a mesh size of 90m. Then we proceeded to develop a basis for
incorporation of the powder prepared.
After the geochemical characterization of the root [4], the toothpaste base was prepared
in which was added 2.5% of its component. The final pH obtained was 6.9, which
complies with the recommended requirements for dentifrices [5]. The toothpaste
obtained showed appreciable physical stability and good viscosity and texture
characteristics. This work must be continued in order to verify the effectiveness of the
folder with respect to antiseptic, toning and cicatrizing properties of the root of Mulala.
References:
[1] Filipe, M., Gomes, E.T., Serrano, R. and Silva, O. (2008), Caracterizao farmacognstica
da raiz de Euclea natalensis. Workshop plantas medicinais e fitoteraputicas.
[2] Lall, N. and Meyer, J. J. (2000), Antibacterial activity of water and acetone extracts of the
roots of Euclea natalensis, J Ethnopharmacol, 72 (1-2): 313-6.
[3] Lall, N. et al. (2006), Antifungal activity of naphthoquinones and triterpenes isolated from
the root bark of Euclea natalensis. South African Journal of Botany, 72 (4): 579-83.
[4] Silva, J.B., Silva, E.F., Santos, D., Meneses, J.C., Lobo, P., Amaral, M.H., Lobo, J.M., and
Gomes, C. (2013), Caracterizao geoqumica da raiz de Euclea natalensis (Mulala). III CIBAPAores.
[5] Priste, L.N., Bahia, M.F. and Vilar, E. (1995), Dermofarmcia e Cosmtica. II Volume. Ed
da Associao Nacional de Farmcia.