Release Date: September 2, 2009

In the fight against tooth decay, an Australian native plant’s antibacterial properties could provide a natural alternative to medicated mouthwashes.

Research conducted at Swinburne University’s Environment and Biotechnology Centre has found that extracts from the emu bush (Eremophila longifolia) can inhibit the growth of oral bacteria, reduce dental plaque development and stop bacteria from sticking to tooth surfaces.

Emu bush has been used in traditional Indigenous medicine for many thousands of years, but may now find its way into more modern products like toothpaste or mouthwash.

Swinburne student Elisa Hayhoe investigated the plant’s antibacterial potential for her biotechnology Honours project.

“Although oral bacteria may sound fairly benign, the tooth decay and loss it causes affects quality of life and has links to chronic conditions and systemic diseases,” Hayhoe said.