EVALUATION OF ANTIPLAQUE, ANTI INFLAMMATORY AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF AZADIRACHTA INDICA (NEEM) LEAF EXTRACT
*Prof. (Dr.) Vabitha Shetty, Dr. Roleen Pereira and Prof. (Dr.) Amitha M. Hegde
ABSTRACT
Purpose: To develop an experimental mouthwash, neem extract added with honey and assess its anti-plaque, anti inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. Methods: A mouthwash was formulated from aqueous extracts of neem to which honey was added. Sixty children aged 9-13 years were equally divided into two groups. Group 1 children were asked to rinse with 10ml of neem with honey mouthwash and group 2 with 0.2% of chlorhexidine mouthwash for 21 days. Gingival index, Plaque index, Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli counts were assessed of both groups at baseline, 14th day and 21st day. Subjective and objective criteria regarding acceptability and unwanted side effects of the mouth wash were also assessed. Results: Significant decreases in both gingival and plaque indices from baseline upto 21 days postrinse (P<0.001) were seen in both groups. Microbiological analysis revealed significant reduction of S.Mutans and Lactobacilli counts in both groups from baseline up to 21 days postrinse. However, no statistically significant differences were seen in percentage reductions of S.Mutans and Lactobacilli counts between the groups. Majority of the children found the experimental mouthwash acceptable in taste and free of side effects. Conclusion: Neem mouthwash with honey demonstrated effective antiplaque, anti-inflammatory and anti microbial properties comparable with 0.2% chlorhexidine digluconate.
Keywords: Anti-plaque, anti inflammatory, antimicrobial, honey, neem.
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