Antimicrobial activity of polyherbal extract: An in vitro study

Abstract

Background: Oral diseases are major health problems with dental caries and periodontal diseases among the most important preventable global infectious diseases. Oral health influences the general quality of life and poor oral health is linked to chronic conditions and systemic diseases. Plant extracts or phytochemicals that inhibit the growth of oral pathogens, reduce the development of biofilms and dental plaque, influence the adhesion of bacteria to surfaces and reduce the symptoms of oral diseases. Aim: To assess the antimicrobial activity of polyherbal extract containing of Salvia officinalis ( Sage), Rosemaryinus officinalis (Rosemary), Thymus serpyllum (Thyme), Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Cinnamon), Mentha arvensis (Mint). Materials and Methods: The leaves of Salvia officinalis ( Sage), Rosemaryinus officinalis (Rosemary), Thymus serpyllum (Thyme), Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Cinnamon), Mentha arvensis (Mint) were collected and dried. 100gm of dried leaves of each herb was powdered finely and mixed together. 100 ml of distilled water was added with the polyherbal extract powder and then it was filtered with filter paper and boiled at the temperature 50 degree celsius. The agar diffusion method was used to determine the antimicrobial activity of different concentrations of the polyherbal extract (25μL 50μL,100μL) against S. mutans, C. albicans, E. faecalis and S. aureus. Antibody (Amoxicillin) was used as positive control and the zones of inhibition were recorded in each plate. Zones of inhibition obtained for different microorganisms at various concentrations of polyherbal extract were compared using ANOVA test. Result: At 25μl, 50μl and 100μl, the antimicrobial activity against S.mutans was found to be statistically significant when compared to the standard (p<0.05). At 50μl and 100μl, the antimicrobial activity against S.aureus was found to be statistically significant when compared to the standard (p<0.05). At 25μl and 100μl, the antimicrobial activity against E.faecalis was found to be statistically significant when compared to the standard (p<0.05). Conclusion: The present study suggests that the polyherbal extract containing Salvia officinalis (Sage), Rosemaryinus officinalis (Rosemary), Thymus serpyllum (Thyme), Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Cinnamon), Mentha arvensis (Mint) showed antibacterial activity against S. mutans, E. faecalis and S. aureus.