Efficacy of garlic extract and chlorhexidine mouthwash in reduction of oral salivary microorganisms, an in vitro study

Effect of Plant-Based Mouthwash (Morinda citrifolia and Ocimum sanctum) on TNF-α, IL-α, IL-β, IL-2, and IL-6 in Gingival Crevicular Fluid and Plaque Scores of Patients Undergoing Fixed Orthodontic Treatment

Background and Objectives: To investigate the antiplaque properties of two plant-based mouthwashes, Morinda citrifolia (MC) and Ocimum sanctum (OS), and their effect on TNF-α, IL-α, IL-β, IL-2, and IL-6 in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: Seventy-five individuals were recruited according to defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. This study was structured into two distinct phases. Phase I was a combination of toothbrushing using toothpaste containing fluoride (Protocol A), while Phase II toothbrushing included fluoride toothpaste and use of a mouthwash (Protocol B). For Phase II, individuals participating in this study were allocated into different groups through a randomization process: Group 1-0.12% CHX, Group 2-5% MC, and Group 3-4% OS. Each individual's Phase I and Phase II scores were assessed. GCF was measured in three phases to determine the level of inflammatory biomarkers. The paired t-test evaluated the disparities between the pre- and post-plaque index. Categorical data were subjected to crosstab analysis to assess qualitative variables. The mean values of cytokine levels were presented. An unpaired t-test was employed to assess the levels of cytokines between individuals in Phase I and Phase II. Results: Toothbrushing, fluoride toothpaste, and the supplementary use of mouthwash (Phase II) resulted in mean plaque scores significantly lower than group A (p < 0.001). Cytokines TNF-α, IL-α, and IL-β demonstrated a significant downward trend in herbal mouthwash users. Conclusions: In conjunction with fluoridated toothpaste and brushing, OS and MC can serve as a viable alternative to conventional synthetic mouthwash CHX. This combination demonstrates reducing mean plaque scores and diminishing the levels of cytokines TNF-α, IL-α, and IL-β.

Decontamination of lithium disilicate ceramics using various photosensitizers, herbal and chemical disinfectants, and the effect of surface conditioners on bond strength values

AIM

To assess and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of disinfectants on lithium disilicate ceramic (LDC) used in dental applications and shear bond strength (SBS) of LDC after using different conditioners hydrofluoric acid (HF), self-etching ceramic primers (SECP) and Neodymium-doped yttrium orthovanadate (Nd: YVO4).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and twenty LDC discs were fabricated by auto-polymerizing acrylic resin using the lost wax technique. S. aureus, S. mutans, and C. albican were inoculated on thirty discs (n=30 each). Each group was further divided into three subgroups based on different disinfecting agents used (n=30) Group 1: Garlic extract, Group 2: Rose Bengal (RB) activated by PDT, and Group 3: Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). An assessment of the survival rate of microorganisms was performed. The remaining thirty samples were surface treated using three different LDC surface conditioners (n=10) Group 1: HF + Silane (S), group 2: SECP, and Group 3: Nd: YVO4 laser+S. SBS and failure mode analysis were performed using a universal testing machine and stereomicroscope at 40x magnification, The statistical analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA and Post Hoc Tukey test.

RESULTS

Garlic extract, RB, and 2% NaOCl sample displayed comparable outcomes of antimicrobial potency against C. albicans, S aureus, and S. mutans (p>0.05). Furthermore, SBS analysis showed HF+S, SECP, and Nd: YVO4+S exhibited comparable outcomes of bond strength (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Garlic extract and Rose bengal activated by PDT can be contemplated as alternatives to the chemical agent NaOCl used for LDC disinfection. Similarly, SECP and Nd: YVO4 possess the potential to be used for the surface conditioning of LDC to improve the bond integrity with resin cement.

Resin Modified Glass Ionomer bonded to Caries affected dentin disinfected with Carbon dioxide laser, Diode lasers, Bee glue and Photosensitizing agents: An estimation of bond strength

AIM

The present in vitro study was carried out to evaluate the effect of different cavity disinfectants chlorhexidine (CHX), riboflavin (RF), diode laser (DL), carbon dioxide laser (CO₂), and Propolis on the bond values of resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) restoration bonded to caries affected dentin (CAD) MATERIALS AND METHODS: : Forty multi-rooted mandibular molars were adapted in self-cure acrylic resin blocks up to the level of the cementoenamel junction so that only the crown portion of the tooth remained visible. Silicon carbide discs of 1200 and 600 grits were then used to remove infected dentin. However, CAD was left behind to use as a substrate for restoration. All samples were randomly divided into five groups based on the method of disinfection. group 1: Propolis, group 2: CHX, group 3:RF activated by PDT, group 4: CO₂ laser, and group 5: DL. RMGIC restoration was then placed on these disinfected samples. Samples were kept in an incubator keeping humidity at 100 % and temperature at 37 °C for about 24 hrs. All samples were then placed in a Universal testing machine to measure SBS. Failure modes were identified using a stereomicroscope. ANOVA test was used to analyze intergroup comparison. Tukey HSD test was used to evaluate multiple group comparisons. The level of significance was set at a p < 0.05 value.

RESULTS

Group 2 specimens disinfected with CHX established the highest SBS value (17.85±1.09 MPa). Whereas, Group 5 specimens in which CAD was disinfected with DL demonstrated the lowest SBS (10.36±0.33MPa).

CONCLUSION

CO₂ has the potential to be used alternate to CHX for caries-affected dentin disinfection. However, Riboflavin activated by photodynamic therapy; Diode laser, and Propolis as cavity disinfectant prior bond to resin-modified glass ionomer is not recommended and needs further probing.

Current studies and potential future research directions on biological effects and related mechanisms of allicin

Allicin, a thiosulfonate extract from freshly minced garlic, has been reported to have various biological effects on different organs and systems of animals and human. It can reduce oxidative stress, inhibit inflammatory response, resist pathogen infection and regulate intestinal flora. In addition, dozens of studies also demonstrated allicin could reduce blood glucose level, protect cardiovascular system and nervous system, and fight against cancers. Allicin was widely used in disease prevention and health care. However, more investigations on human cohort study are needed to verify the biological or clinical effects of allicin in the future. In this review, we summarized the biological effects of allicin from previous outstanding and valuable studies and provided useful information for future studies on the health effects of allicin.

Analysis of Plant Origin Antibiotics against Oral Bacterial Infections Using In Vitro and In Silico Techniques and Characterization of Active Constituents

The pervasiveness of oral bacterial infections in diabetic patients is a serious health concern that may produce severe complications. We investigated 26 Ayurvedic medicinal plants traditionally used for treatment of the oral bacterial infections with the aim to look for new promising drug leads that can be further employed for herbal formulation design. The plants were grouped into three categories based on traditional usage. All plant extracts were examined for antibacterial, antibiofilm and antiquorum-sensing properties. The plants with significant activities including Juglans regia, Syzygium aromaticum, Eruca sativa, Myristica fragrans, Punica granatum and Azadirachta indica were further analyzed using HPLC-DAD-QToF and GC-MS. In silico and in vitro activity was evaluated for selected constituents. Finally, it could be concluded that eugenol and 2-phenylethylisothiocyanate are major contributors towards inhibition of bacterial biofilms and quorum sensing.

Supplementation With Phytogenic Compounds Modulates Salivation and Salivary Physico-Chemical Composition in Cattle Fed a High-Concentrate Diet

Saliva facilitates feed ingestion, nutrient circulation, and represents an important pH buffer for ruminants, especially for cattle fed high-concentrate diets that promote rumen acidification. This experiment evaluated the short-term effects of nine phytogenic compounds on salivation, saliva physico-chemical composition as well as ingested feed boli characteristics in cattle. A total of nine ruminally cannulated Holstein cows were used. Each compound was tested in four of these cows as part of a high-concentrate meal (2.5 kg of total mixed ration in dry matter basis for 4 h) in low or high dose, and was compared to a control meal without compound. Saliva was sampled orally (unstimulated saliva) for physico-chemical composition analysis. Composition of the ingested saliva (stimulated saliva), salivation and feed boli characteristics were assessed from ingesta collected at the cardia during the first 30 min of the meal. Analysis of unstimulated saliva showed that supplementation with capsaicin and thyme oil increased buffer capacity, while supplementation with thymol, L-menthol and gentian root decreased saliva pH. In addition, supplementing angelica root decreased saliva osmolality. Regression analysis on unstimulated saliva showed negative associations between mucins and bicarbonate as well as with phosphate when garlic oil, thyme oil or angelica root was supplemented. Analysis of stimulated saliva demonstrated that supplementation with garlic oil increased phosphate concentration, thyme oil tended to increase osmolality, capsaicin and thymol increased buffer capacity, and ginger increased phosphate content. Furthermore, salivation rate increased with ginger and thymol, and tended to increase with garlic oil, capsaicin, L-menthol and mint oil. Feed ensalivation increased with capsaicin. A positive association was found between feed bolus size and salivation rate when any of the phytogenic compounds was supplemented. Overall, our results demonstrate positive short-term effects of several phytogenic compounds on unstimulated and stimulated saliva physico-chemical properties, salivation or feed boli characteristics. Thus, the phytogenic compounds enhancing salivary physico-chemical composition have the potential to contribute to maintain or improve ruminal health in cattle fed concentrate-rich rations.

Antibacterial activity of garlic extract on cariogenic bacteria: An in vitro study

Background

Garlic (Allium Sativum) is ubiquitous, small and commonly used spice for processing food. There are many types of garlic and differ in shape, size, color, taste, number of cloves per bulb and storability.

Objectives

To determine and compare the antibacterial activity of soft neck and hard neck species of garlic against cariogenic bacteria (Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus).

Materials and Methods

The well diffusion method was used to evaluate the antibacterial activity of garlic against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus. After incubation in an appropriate culture medium, diameter of zone of inhibition was measured to assess the antibacterial efficacy of garlic extract. Chlorhexidine mouthwash (ICPA HEALTH PRODUCTS LTD.) was kept as control group. Results were statistically analyzed using Kruskal Wallis test and independent 't' test. Thus, zone of inhibition (in mm) was analyzed using mean of all the readings obtained and the level of significance at <0.05 was considered statistically significant at 5% of level of significance.

Results

Maximum zone of inhibition was found with hard neck garlic extract (24mm) followed by soft neck garlic extract (18mm) and Chlorhexidine (17mm) against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus.

Conclusion

Action of garlic against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus raises the possibility that it can be used for dental caries and other oral infections possibly.