Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of Achyranthes aspera gel with tetracycline fibres in managing periodontitis: a single-blind, randomised clinical study

Abstract

IntroductionThe present study formulates, evaluates, and compares a gel made from Achyranthes aspera root extract (AAE) with tetracycline fibers for its protective effect in patients suffering from chronic periodontitis. MethodsThe AAE gel was evaluated for various physicochemical parameters, in vitro permeability, and stability, and the active phytoconstituent rutin was quantified in AAE by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). Patients (20-60 years) suffering from chronic periodontitis with a probing pocket depth (PPD) of 5-7 mm and no systemic diseases were divided into 2 groups (20 each) and treated with scaling and root planing (SRP) followed by subgingival placement of the herbal gel or tetracycline fibers (standard). Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), Pocket Probing Depth (PPD), and Clinical Attachment Level (CAL) were recorded at baseline and after 3 months. The student’s t-test was used for statistical analysis. ResultsThe AAE gel was found to be stable for 2 months, and the content of rutin was found to be 0.76µg in 100mg of AAE. A significant reduction in the periodontal disease parameters was observed in the standard and gel-treated groups between their baseline and 3-month interval values. The herbal gel treatment was comparable to tetracycline treatment in significantly attenuating the periodontitis-elevated PI, GI PPD, and CAL levels. ConclusionThe amelioration of periodontitis and gingival inflammation by the AAE gel may be attributed to the potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of its phytoconstituents. AAE gel may thus be used as a safe adjunct to SRP in chronic periodontitis. CTRI/2018/09/015621 [Registered on: 06/09/2018]