An in vivo study of the plaque control efficacy of Persica™: A commercially available herbal mouthwash containing extracts of Salvadora persica

Abstract

Aim: This study compared the oral health efficacy of Persica™ mouthwash (containing an extract of Salvadora persica) with that of a placebo. Design: In a double-blind, cross-over trial, participants were randomly allocated to use either the Persica™ mouthwash or a placebo for a three-week period. Plaque accumulation, gingival bleeding and the salivary concentrations of mutans streptococci (MS) were measured before and immediately following the experimental period. After an eight-week 'washout' period, the study was repeated with participants using the alternative mouthwash. Participants: Twenty-eight healthy students (aged between 18 and 42 years) volunteered to take part in this investigation. Results: Compared with the pre-treatment values, both placebo and experimental groups demonstrated significantly reduced gingival bleeding (p < 0.01). Plaque scores were not significantly reduced following use of either Persica™ or the placebo. However, the use of Persica™, but not the placebo, resulted in significant reduction in the carriage of MS (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Use of Persica™ mouthwash resulted in improved gingival health and lower carriage rate of cariogenic bacteria when compared with the pre-treatment values. The placebo (vehicle control) also improved gingival health significantly. Neither the Persica nor the placebo reduced the accumulation of dental plaque.