A Review of Herbal Toothpaste Formulation, and Efficacy in Oral Care

The prevention and control of caries necessitates the elimination of cariogenic bacteria and cavity disinfectants have proved to play a major role in achieving the goal. The use of phytotherapy is trending and many natural products have shown anti-microbial properties which can be used as cavity disinfectant in the field of dentistry. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of herbal antibacterial agents (Tea Tree Oil (TTO) and Aloe vera) with commercially available 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) as cavity disinfectant for use in minimally invasive dentistry. The study included three test groups, Group I (2% chlorhexidine), Group II (tea tree oil), Group III (Aloe vera gel) with a control group (distilled water). Ten patients with atleast one tooth with an occlusal or occluso-proximal lesion suitable for Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) were selected for each group, dentinal samples were collected using sterile spoon excavators at three stages from each tooth viz., pre-excavation, post-excavation and post-disinfection of the cavities. These dentinal samples were subjected to microbiological analysis for Total Viable Count (TVC). The data collected were statistically analysed using ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc test. The results of present study showed that there was a statistically significant reduction in TVC when compared between pre and post excavation in all the groups (p<0.05) and post- excavation and post-disinfection in all the test groups (p<0.05) (except control group). Post-disinfection, 2% chlorhexidine showed highest reduction in TVC followed by 1% tea tree oil and aloe vera gel. Natural antibacterial agents like tea tree oil and aloe vera could be effectively used as cavity disinfectants which will help in minimizing secondary caries and rendering a long term restorative success.

This work was designed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of three different commercial herbal (Aloe vera L. and Fragaria vesca L. extracts) toothpastes [LR Aloe vera (HTP1), ESI Aloe fresh (HTP2) and ROCS Teens (HTP3)] against two microorganisms that cause tooth infections. An agar disk diffusion method was used to test the antimicrobial activity of three herbal gel toothpastes in the amount of 100 μL against Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus. In the second part of the work, the volatile organic compounds of three different commercial herbal toothpastes (HTP1-3) were determined by solid-phase microextraction/gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-flame ionization detection (SPME/GC-MS-FID). The sensitivity of the tested herbal toothpastes toward each microorganism was expressed as the mean of the clear zone within the range of 6-16 mm diameters. HTP1 and HTP2 were found to be more effective against both bacteria compared with HTP3. Oxygenated monoterpenes (99.34%, 91.44%, and 83.48%) were the most abundant groups in the SPME of HTP1-3, respectively. Menthol (25.41%, 35.82%, and 31.15%) and anethole (52.01%, 23.62%, and 38.79%) were the major compounds identified in the SPME analysis of HTP1-3, respectively. Carvone was found only in HTP3 (0.49%) in a small quantity. The commercial herbal toothpastes could have advantages in decreasing bacterial accumulation on teeth with protection of the oral cavity.

This study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of a herbal toothpaste, designed to offer an alternative to conventional chemical-based dental care products. The toothpaste was formulated using natural ingredients known for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and oral health-promoting properties, such as neem, clove, and tea tree oil. Various parameters, including pH, abrasive properties, and microbial efficacy, were assessed to ensure safety and effectiveness. The formulation was tested for its ability to reduce plaque formation, fight bacteria, and promote gum health. Results indicated that the herbal toothpaste exhibited comparable or superior performance in terms of antimicrobial activity and oral hygiene benefits, while being gentle on tooth enamel. The findings suggest that this herbal toothpaste could serve as a viable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional products in oral care

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of herbal-based toothpastes with different contents on the viability of L929 cells.Methods: Herbal-based toothpastes {Aloe vera - propolis herbal toothpaste, Group 1; Parodontax, Group 2; Toothpaste with miswak, propolis and tea tree extract, Group 3, Dent natural protective toothpaste with clay, Group 4; Gano fresh, Group 5} were diluted (1:1, 1:2, 1:4, 1:8, 1:16, and 1:32) in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium. L929 fibroblast cells were treated with the medium containing the herbal toothpastes for 2 min. Cell viability was assessed using methyl tetrazolium test. The viability of the negative control group was set at 100 %, and the percentage viability of all groups was determined accordingly.Results: Cell viability was significantly reduced at all dilutions in Group 5 (p = 0.00). This trend was also observed in Group 4. All dilutions except 1:32 significantly affected cell viability (p = 0.00). In Group 2, only the 1:1 dilution showed a toxic effect (p = 0.00). The samples in Groups 1 and 3 did not show statistically significant cytotoxicity to L929 cells (p &gt; 0.05).Conclusion: Herbal toothpastes containing substances such as sodium lauryl sulfate (Group 5) and sodium benzoate (Groups 2 and 4) are cytotoxic towards L929 cells. Groups 1 and 3 did not contain detergents but contain potassium sorbate as a preservative; hence, they are not toxic.

Skin disease is a persistent inflammatory skin disorder that affects around 70% of teenage females throughout puberty. To counteract this problem, antibiotics are being administered more often, which has resulted in a variety of undesirable side effects. As a result, as a first-line topical therapy, it must target on the herbal formulation. In this study, medicinal plant extracts and oils with high antibacterial activity, such as Curcuma longa and Aloe barbadensis, tea tree oil, and lemongrass oil, were chosen to produce a polyherbal emulgel for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Curcuma longa, Aloe barbadensis, tea tree oil, and lemongrass oil were all extracted and reported in this study. Lemongrass oil, tea tree oil, aloe Vera extract, and turmeric extract were used in various amounts in the topical gels. After being kept at room temperature for 24 hours, the gel was prepared and evaluated. As a result of the study's findings, a prepared polyherbal emulgel containing extracts of Curcuma longa, lemon grass oil and tea tree oil at concentrations of 0.5 percent, 5 percent, 5 percent respectively, can be used to treat acne vulgaris. KEYWORDS: Polyherbal emulgel, Anti-acne formulation, Acne vulgaris, Curcuma longa, lemongrass oil, tea tree oil

Oral hygiene, an integral part of the body’s general well-being, it is the practice of keeping the mouth clean and disease free by using tooth paste, mouth wash etc. Plants have been a great source of medical agents for many years and even be considered the origin of modern medicine. Phytochemicals the secondary metabolites of the plants are active ingredients that possess therapeutic properties that are considered as a medicine or drug for therapeutic purposes for the curing of diseases and improving human health. The main objective of this study is to formulate and develop an herbal toothpaste from herbal source and to evaluate its antibacterial activity. The herbal toothpaste containing leaves and flowers of Acmella ciliate, clove, honey and leaves of guava as the herbal ingredients. Different types of formulations (F1-F3) were formulated using Calcium carbonate as cleaning and polishing agent, Glycerine as humectant, Sodium lauryl sulphate, Sodium chloride as a stain remover from the teeth, Honey. The three formulations were evaluated by various parameters like colour, taste, fragrance, consistency, pH, shape maintenance, threading property, moisture content and foaming character. The herbal toothpaste having aqueous extract of herbal source are tested for antibacterial activity against K. pneumoniae, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and S. pyogenes. The result shows that the bacteria were found to be more sensitive to the formulated toothpaste as seen by zone of inhibition. Further studies would benefit from a uniform method of assessment for clinical effectiveness of plaque and gingivitis and safety of the formulated herbal toothpaste. &#x0D; Keywords: Phytochemicals,Acmella ciliate,herbal toothpast, antibacterial activity

Skin infections due to microbes are reported with high spread and reportedly affected one –third of the world population. Connective tissue cells produce collagen and connective tissue fibers to heal wounds of skin and white blood cells produce antibodies to fight against harmful microbes. This study presents the process of synthesis of nanofiberous dressing loaded with Aloe vera and tea tree oil. Aloe Vera and Tea tree oil contain glucomannan and terpinin-4-ol, which help in the production of collagen and kill microbes. The surface morphology of prepared dressing was studied using Scanning Electron Microscope micrographs. The average diameter of nanofibers was measured to be 137.32nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of nanofiberous dressing confirmed the loading of aloe vera and tea tree oil. Drug release profile was analyzed by UV-vis spectroscopy. It was observed that 100% drug released within 12 minutes. The antimicrobial properties of prepared fibers against Aspergillus Niger (fungi) and Escherichia coli (bacteria) were systematically evaluated. The results showed that aloe vera- tea tree oil composite fibrous dressing was found to be effective for antimicrobial activity.

BackgroundDespite the large number of trials conducted using herbal oral care products for the reduction of dental plaque or gingivitis, results are conflicting and inconclusive.ObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness of herbal oral care products compared to conventional products in reducing dental plaque and gingivitis adults.MethodsWe searched the following databases for Randomised controlled trials (RCTs): MEDLINE Ovid, EMBASE Ovid etc. which yielded 493 trails. Of which 24 RCTs comparing herbal toothpaste or mouth rinse with over the counter toothpaste or mouth rinse in adults aged 18 to 65 years were included. Two authors extracted information and assessed the methodological quality of the included studies using Risk of Bias. Meta-analyses using the random-effects model were conducted for four outcomes for tooth paste and mouth rinse respectively. Mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) were used to estimate the effect, with 95% confidence intervals.ResultsA total of 1597 adults participated in 24 RCT studies. These were classified as herbal toothpaste (HTP) (15 trials, 899 participants) and herbal mouth rinse (HMR) (9 trials, 698 participants) compared with non-herbal toothpaste (NHTP) or non-herbal mouth rinse (NHMR). We found that HTP was superior over NHTP (SMD 1.95, 95% CI (0.97–2.93)) in plaque reduction. The long-term use of NHMR was superior in reduction of dental plaque over HMR (SMD -2.61, 95% (CI 4.42–0.80)). From subgroup analysis it showed that HTP was not superior over fluoride toothpaste (SMD 0.99, 95% CI (0.14–2.13)) in reducing dental plaque. However, HTP was favoured over non-fluoride toothpaste (SMD 4.64, 95% CI (2.23–7.05)).ConclusionFor short-term reduction in dental plaque, current evidence suggests that HTP is as effective as compared to NHTP; however, evidence is from low quality studies.

Prevalence of tooth decay in individuals attributes to bacterial buildup in the mouth and inconsistent effectiveness of certain commercial toothpastes and this has prompted the formulation of herbal toothpaste. The formulation is crafted with diverse bases to address gingivitis, dental caries and plaque, hence the toothpaste consist of intricate blends of abrasives, surfactants, anticaries agents, tartar control elements, pH buffers, humectants and binders ensuring consistency, shape and product stability. The herbal toothpaste formulation was prepared, incorporating aloe vera and calcium carbonate extract from the shell of Buccinum undatum. The focus of the composition aims to investigate the antimicrobial potential of the actives (aloe vera and calcium carbonate) in the toothpaste using cultures of S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and K.pneumoniae (prevalent micro organisms in the oral cavity) and comparing with a reference standard ( Colgate toothpaste). Utilizing the hot liquid phase technology, the toothpaste was formulated, and then evaluated. The Physicochemical evaluation studies reveals the formulation to have such characteristics as pH-10, good foamability and abrasiveness, spreadability of 5.5 gcms-¹, viscosity-4600 cP and appreciable stability. Anti microbial studies indicated notable zone of inhibition for the selected organisms as: K.pneumoniae – 5.5 mm and P. aeruginosa – 5.0 mm with no effect on S.aureus. The formulated herbal toothpaste consisting of aloe vera and extracted calcium carbonate was observed to display appreciable antimicrobial and abrasive properties hence further study is required to enhance its acceptable application for potential oral effects, and consideration for long term public dental health use.

To evaluate the effect of two herbal mouthwashes containing aloe vera and tea tree oil, on the oral health of school children. A double-blinded, placebo-controlled prospective interventional study was conducted in school children aged 8-14years. The study participants were divided into four groups depending upon the mouthwash used: Group 1 (aloe vera), Group 2 (chlorhexidine), Group 3 (tea tree oil) and Group 4 (placebo). The variables studied included plaque index, gingival index and salivary Streptococcus mutans counts, which were recorded at baseline, 4weeks after supervised mouth rinse and after 2weeks of stopping the mouth rinse. A total of 89 boys and 63 girls were included. A statistically significant decrease in all variables was noted after the use of both the herbal preparations at the end of 4weeks which was maintained after the 2-week washout period (p < 0.001). The difference in variables between groups using aloe vera, Tea tree oil and chlorhexidine, was not statistically significant. The use of aloe vera and tea tree oil mouthwashes can decrease plaque, gingivitis and S. mutans in the oral cavity in children. The activity of these two agents is comparable to that of chlorhexidine.

Hand hygiene is paramount in preventing healthcare-associated infections in medical environments and the spread of infectious diseases in non-medical environments. This study used a randomised controlled trial to investigate the effects of a tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil disinfectant on hand disinfection and skin condition. A tea tree oil group received 5mL of 10% tea tree oil disinfectant mixed in a ratio of 2:2:1:15 of Melaleuca alternifolia oil, solubiliser, glycerin and sterile distilled water. Data collection took place between April 9 and April 13, 2018. The subjects were 112 healthy adults. An alcohol group received 2mL of a gel-type hand sanitiser comprising 83% ethanol used without water; a benzalkonium chloride group received 0.8mL of a foam-type hand sanitiser containing benzalkonium chloride used without water and a control group received no treatment. Subjective skin condition, transepidermal water loss and adenosine triphosphate were assessed, and a microbial culture test was performed following treatment. The general characteristics and the pretreatment dependent variables did not differ significantly by group. Posttreatment adenosine triphosphate log10 values significantly differed across all four groups (F=3.23, P=.025). Similarly, posttreatment bacterial density log10 values differed significantly across the tea tree oil, alcohol, benzalkonium chloride and control groups (F=91.71, P<.001). The study confirmed that tea tree oil disinfectant is effective for hand disinfection. Accordingly, tea tree oil disinfectants may be introduced to nursing practice as a new hand hygiene product to prevent and reduce healthcare-associated infections.

Complementary, Holistic, and Integrative Medicine

1. Anju Sawni, MD* 2. Amritpal Singh, MD† 1. *Pediatric Education, Hurley Children’s Hospital/Hurley Medical Center, Flint, MI. 2. †Department of Dravyaguna (Medicinal Plants), Sri Dhanwantry Ayurvedic College, Chandigarh, India. * Abbreviations: EFAs: : essential fatty acid LTB4: : leukotriene B4 Acne vulgaris is a common skin disorder that affects ∼70% to 87% of adolescents and young adults. (1) The pathogenesis of acne is multifactorial and complex, and is thought to be due to androgen-stimulated sebum production. This production leads to follicular occlusion and hyperkeratinization, with comedo formation, as well as microbial colonization of pilosebaceous follicles by Propionibacterium acnes , leading to inflammatory papules and pustules. Conventional treatments for acne include salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, and antibiotics (topical and systemic). However, symptoms may not always improve, and patients may have adverse reactions to conventional treatments and thus seek alternative treatments. Antibiotic resistance in P acnes also has been rising, thus promoting the need to look at alternative therapies. (2) The influence of diet on acne has been debated for decades. One review of the literature looking at the evidence for diet, face washing, and sunlight exposure in acne management concluded that the evidence is incomplete at best. (3) Another review did not support any link between acne and foods such as dairy products, chocolate, and fatty foods. (4) However, with more recent focus on diet and nutritional supplements, emerging research suggests that diet may be a factor, particularly in mediating the inflammation and oxidative stress of the acne process. (5)(6)(7) Western diets, with characteristically high glycemic indices, can elevate insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 levels acutely and chronically. (5) These hormones stimulate adrenal and gonadal androgen production, leading to increased sebum production and acne. Frequent consumption of high-glycemic-index carbohydrates may repeatedly expose adolescents to acute hyperinsulinemia. Therefore, a low-glycemic-load diet may have a beneficial effect on acne. (6) A review …

BackgroundPrevention is a preliminary focus of periodontitis treatment. Rather than giving complicated treatment to a periodontitis patient, a variety of toothpastes have been suggested to prevent periodontal disease progression. Herbal toothpastes containing natural plant components for maintaining or increasing healing might be a treatment modality for improving oral hygiene. Aloe vera is a medicinal plant with active ingredients that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, increased sodium in the environment inhibits microorganism growth. A toothpaste containing salt and aloe vera may be an option to provide good oral hygiene.AimTo assess the in vitro cell migration of human gingival fibroblasts and antimicrobial effects of an herbal toothpaste containing A. vera and Sodium chloride.MethodsThe cytotoxicity of 0.02% or 0.2% toothpaste solution on human gingival fibroblast cell line was evaluated using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The cell migration after treatment with 0.2% (v/v) toothpaste was determined using a Boyden Chamber assay. The effect of the toothpaste on inhibiting Porphylomonas gingivalis planktonic and biofilm growth was compared with Chlohexidine (CHX) using a Disk Diffusion and Biofilm susceptibility test, respectively. The results of the cytotoxicity assay, inhibition zone and percentage of live cells in the biofilm were statistically analyzed with One-way analysis of variance. Cell migration and biofilm inhibition were evaluated using the independent sample t-test and multiple t-test, respectively (p = 0.05).ResultsNeither test concentration of the toothpaste solution was toxic to the target cells. The 0.2% concentration was selected for the cell migration experiment. The herbal toothpaste formulation significantly increased cell migration compared with the control group (culture medium) (p = .02) The antimicrobial effect of this formulation on the P. gingivalis planktonic form was lower compared with 0.12% CHX (positive control group), however, it demonstrated greater P. gingivalis biofilm formation inhibition compared with the 0.12% CHX group.ConclusionsThe alternative use of an herbal toothpaste instead of a non-herbal toothpaste formulation should be considered for promoting oral health care. However, further clinical studies are necessary before it can be considered for patient use.

Background: Dandruff is a common scalp condition affecting half of the population of the world. Objective: The current study aimed at developing anti-dandruff shampoos containing tea tree oil, which is believed to be effective against Malassezia furfur, a fungus involved in dandruff production. Methodology: Various shampoos containing tea tree oil in 0.5 to 3% concentration were prepared after careful selection of various shampoo ingredients. The formulated shampoos were subjected to various quality tests such as pH, viscosity, foam production, dirt dispersion, wetting time, surface tension, solid contents, and antimicrobial activity against a model fungal strain, namely Candida albicans. The formulated shampoos were also compared with the marketed shampoos for quality attributes. Results: The results revealed that tea tree oil shampoos had pH values in the range of 5 – 6, which is close to the slightly acidic skin’s pH and considered as good for hair. All other quality attributes were comparable to the marketed products. The marketed shampoos had superior antifungal activity due to the presence of zinc pyrithione or a higher concentration of salicylic acid or selenium sulfide. Notwithstanding, the tea tree oil shampoos demonstrated an appreciable antifungal activity due to synergistic effects of tea tree oil, sodium lauryl sulphate, and salicylic acid. Furthermore, the tea tree oil shampoos were stable during two months-long stability testing. Conclusion: Thus, tea tree oil anti-dandruff shampoos have the potential to address the dandruff problem.