Evaluation of anti-microbial efficacy among Andrographis Paniculata and Mimusops Elengi on oral microflora: An Experimental in-vitro study

INTRODUCTION: Oral health is an essential non-integrated part of general health that plays a vital role in preventing chronic diseases. The oral cavity acts as a suitable environment for the proliferation of bacteria by forming a connecting link to invade the tissues through direct contact from outside. For the past few decades, there has been increased resistance of human pathogenic bacteria to the currently used antibiotics and chemotherapeutics for tooth decay, gingivitis, periodontitis and fungal infection among different age groups. Hence, the search has shifted to traditional plants and natural products, which are a good alternative. To create oral hygiene solutions for the prevention of oral infections, several ayurvedic ingredients, including Andrographis paniculata and Mimusops elengi, have been tested for their effectiveness against dental pathogens. The present investigation's purpose is to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration-based antibacterial efficiency of Andrographis paniculata and Mimusops elengi against Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Actinomyces and Candida albicans. METHODOLOGY: Antimicrobial activity of herbal extracts was determined using the agar well diffusion method. Ethanolic extracts were prepared using a cold extraction method whereas Dimethyl sulfoxide and water were used as dissolution solvents. The diluted herbal extract sample was used as the test sample, while the positive control used was an antibiotic solution and the negative control used was dissolution solvents. The samples were implanted, the bacteria along with the culture media were incubated, and the zone of inhibition was measured. RESULTS: The Minimum inhibitory concentration and zones of inhibition of Andrographis Paniculata and Mimusops Elengi showed significant antibacterial efficacy when compared with standards. CONCLUSION: Andrographis Paniculata and Mimusops Elengi may be used as an efficient addition to conventional care in the management of oral disorders, according to their antimicrobial efficacy.