Comparative clinical data for gingivitis treatment using gels from Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) and chlorhexidine (CHX).

Abstract

Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) has various properties like anti bacterial, anti inflammatory, anti oxidant for curing diseases. It is a plant with known medicinal value in Indian system of medicine. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluate the effectiveness of Ocimum sanctum with Chlorhexidine (CHX) which is a standard material for the treatment of gingivitis. We used 30 gingivitis subjects divided into 2 groups. Group I used Tulsi gel (n= 15) and Group II used CHX gel (n = 15) for treatment. Tulsi and CHX gel use was advised for 1 month. The Clinical parameters assessed were gingival Index (GI), plaque Index (PI), probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) assessed at a time interval of 30 days. Statistical analysis was completed using the SPSS software 23.0. Data showed that GI and PD for Tulsi and CHX in pre and post groups are not significant with p > 0.05. Moreover, PI is not significant with p>0.05 among pre Tulsi, pre CHX and post CHX. However, data is significant with p<0.05 for Tulsi group. CAL is significant with p<0.05 among pre/post Tulsi groups. However, this is not significant with p>0.05 among pre/post CHX groups. Data shows that 2% of Tulsi is effective in reducing gingival bleeding and inflammation. Thus, clinical data shows that Tulsi gel is promising for the treatment of gingivitis.