Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Effect of Ocimum sanctum L. Oral Gel against Anaerobic Oral Microbes: An In Vitro Study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) gel against anaerobic oral microbes. Materials and methods: Subgingival plaque samples were collected from a patient diagnosed with periodontitis. The plaque sample was immediately transferred to an Eppendorf tube containing thioglycollate broth. The sample was incubated in anaerobic conditions at 37° for 24 hours. A total of 20 µL of the cultured broth was subcultured into the test O. sanctum L. (Tulsi gel) and control group gels [chlorhexidine (CHX) gel]. The subcultured gels were of five different concentrations (50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 µL). The subcultured plaque samples were plated onto a Petri dish containing brain heart infusion (BHI) agar. The Petri dishes were incubated at 37° for 24 hours under anaerobic conditions. An anaerobic gas pack was placed in an anaerobic jar to create an anaerobic condition. After 24 hours, the number of colonies formed was observed and noted. Results: O. sanctum L. (Tulsi) gel demonstrated effective antimicrobial activity-against anaerobic oral microbes at 20 and 25%. A higher concentration of O. sanctum L. (Tulsi) gel is effective in demonstrating its potential use as an efficient and supplement for the quality level of treatment in periodontitis (periodontal condition). CHX gel showed no activity in comparison with the O. sanctum L. (Tulsi) gel. Conclusion: O. sanctum L. (Tulsi) plant extract illustrates antimicrobial efficacy against anaerobic oral microbes. O. sanctum L. (Tulsi) exhibited efficient antimicrobial activity against anaerobic oral microbes proving its potential use as an efficient and standard supplement in the treatment of periodontal conditions. Clinical significance: Periodontitis is an inflammation of a periodontal organ complex with various types of diseases which are linked with particular bacteria that occupy the subgingival portion. Extensive utilization of drugs developed side effects. It resulted in uncommon infections and also resulted in resistance. In various clinical situations, O. sanctum L. (Tulsi) is used as herbal medicine. Hence it was found to be an appropriate substitute to control the situations which are altering the oral cavity.