Antibacterial Effects of Oligosaccharides against .

has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine because of its physiological activities, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. Antimicrobial properties of extract have been well described. However, no information is available regarding on oligosaccharides (RMOS). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of RMOS on the growth and virulence properties of the cariogenic bacterium The effects of RMOS on the biofilm structure and virulence gene expression of were also evaluated, and the results were compared with the effects of commercial prebiotic galactooligosaccharides. RMOS were found to have an antibacterial effect against , resulting in significant reductions in acid production, lactate dehydrogenase activity, adhesion, insoluble extracellular polysaccharide production, glucosyltransferase activity, and biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the biofilm structure was visibly damaged. A quantitative real-time PCR assay revealed downregulation of virulence gene-regulated acid production, polysaccharide production, adhesion, biofilm formation, and quorum sensing. These findings suggest that RMOS may be a promising natural product for the prevention of dental caries.