Antibiofilm Effects of Kaempferol Against Oral Pathogens: A Systematic Review

Indah Listiana Kriswandini¹, Dina Izzatul Mila Azka^2*, Shafiqa Aliya Muttaqien², Shofi Nuraini²

Abstract

Dental caries and periodontitis are biofilm-mediated diseases involving oral pathogens such as Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis, which form structured biofilms resistant to antimicrobials and host defences. Kaempferol, a dietary flavonol with antibacterial and antibiofilm properties, has attracted interest; however, its effects against oral pathogens have not been systematically reviewed. This systematic review evaluated the antibiofilm activity and mechanisms of kaempferol against oral pathogens. A Systematic Literature Review approach guided by PRISMA 2020 was conducted, searching PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and SpringerLink. Eligible original studies investigated purified kaempferol or kaempferol as an identified constituent in relation to oral-pathogen biofilm formation, viability, or biofilm-associated virulence. Studies involving the genus Kaempferia were excluded. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality using the QUIN tool. Three studies met the inclusion criteria. Kaempferol reduced biofilm formation and biomass, with the most consistent effects reported against S. mutans in a concentration-dependent manner. Reported mechanisms included inhibition of glucosyltransferase activity and glucan synthesis, suppression of acidogenicity, bacterial membrane disruption with intracellular content leakage, and induction of reactive oxygen species. Activity varied by chemical form, with the free aglycone showing greater activity than its glycosides. All studies had a medium risk of bias. Evidence remains limited to laboratory settings. Overall, limited and heterogeneous evidence suggests that kaempferol inhibits oral-pathogen biofilms through multiple mechanisms, predominantly beyond direct bacterial killing. These findings support its potential as an adjunctive anti-virulence agent, although standardised multispecies and in vivo studies are needed before clinical translation.

Keywords

kaempferol; antibiofilm; flavonol; oral pathogens; Streptococcus mutans

Cite This Article

Kriswandini, I. L., Azka, D. I. M., Muttaqien, S. A., Nuraini, S. (2026). Antibiofilm Effects of Kaempferol Against Oral Pathogens: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Scientific Advances (IJSCIA), Volume 7| Issue 6: Nov – Dec 2026, Pages 1056-1062. URL: https://www.ijscia.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/Volume7-Issue6-Nov-Dec-No.1129-1056-1062.pdf

Volume 7 | Issue 6: Nov – Dec 2026