In vitro antimicrobial activity of traditional mouthwash preparations: a preliminary study

Abstract

Antimicrobial agents administered systemically or locally can help to suppress periodontal pathogens. In Siddha medicine, Padikkaraneer (PN), Panchathuvarpikasayam (PT) and Mayakaaineer (MN) are used as mouthwashes in treating oral diseases. In this study, the herbal mouthwash preparations (HMP) were tested for their antimicrobial activity (AMA) against oral ulcer-causing pathogens viz, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram-negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive). Recommended guidelines in the Siddha texts were used to prepare the mouthwashes. AMA of each HMP was checked using the agar well diffusion method. Each experiment was carried out in duplicate and repeated thrice. Significant differences among HMP were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. HMPs showed significant antimicrobial activity (p<0.001) against tested strains. It was observed that PN was the most effective among the three HMPs. The inhibitory effect of the three HMPs and the positive control on the standard organisms and clinical isolates demonstrated that PN contains higher antimicrobial activity. MN showed a zone of inhibition against E.coli, P.aeruginosa and S.aureus. No activity was reported against the fungi. PT was less effective against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and fungi. This study revealed a potent in vitro activity of HMP on certain oral ulcer- causing pathogens. Results scientifically validate the inhibitory capacities of PN and MN in Siddha medicine, and the findings contribute towards developing new treatment options based on herbal mouthwashes.