Comparison of Effects of Azadirachta indica Mouth Rinse on Streptococcus mutans and P. gingivilis

Abstract

Background: Leaves of Azadirachta indica have been studied vastly to observe their pharmacological properties. The leaves of the Neem tree and the constituents present in the leaves have reported antibacterial, antihyperglycaemic, immunomodulatory, antiulcer, antimalarial, antifungal, antiviral, antimutagenic, and anticarcinogenic properties. Conventional mouthwashes, containing chlorhexidine, used for their antimicrobial effect against bacteria in the oral cavity have certain adverse effects including alteration in taste, tartar formation and staining of teeth, restoration, and sometimes tongue. Hence the study was aimed to analyze the antimicrobial activity of Azadirachta indica mouth rinse against Streptococcus mutans and P. gingivilis colonies. Methodology: It was an in-vivo preclinical experimental study conducted at Baqai Medical and Dental College Karachi., from February 2022 to March 2022. The calculated sample size was n =60. The participants were given an envelope for group randomization. The organisms were grown on appropriate media and extract was prepared and diluted. The extract was diluted in distilled water at 1:4 (Extract: Distilled water) concentration. Study participants were instructed to not brush their teeth before sampling. Study participants were divided into three groups (negative control, positive control, Neem tree extract rinse group) each group had 20 participants. Diluted neem tree extract was given to the experimental group for rinses, distilled water was given to the negative control group and positive controls were given a standard commercially available mouth rinse. The next sample of plaque was collected after two hours to observe the effects of neem tree leaves extract on bacterial colonies. Results: The growth of colonies was calculated on growth media plates in samples collected before rinsing and samples that were taken after the rinsing. The pre and post samples showed a significant (p-value <0.05) decrease in the number of colonies in the positive control group (conventional rinse) and neem leaf extract group. The intragroup comparison of negative and positive control showed a significant difference in the number of colonies and the same was observed with the neem leaf extract rinse. However, the positive control and the Neem leaves extract comparison was insignificant. Conclusion: The Azadirachta indica leaf extract has better or equal efficacy against oral microflora when compared with the standard chlorhexidine containing conventional mouth wash.