Disinfection Ability of Aqueous Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) Extract against Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus Inoculated on Maxillofacial Silicone - An In Vitro Study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Patients who use maxillofacial prostheses often encounter difficulties cleaning them thoroughly daily. Traditional cleaning methods may not work and could change the prostheses’ physical properties. Therefore, it is essential to look for alternative disinfection methods. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of aqueous extract of Ocimum sanctum (tulsi) against Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus inoculated on maxillofacial silicone. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty silicone discs, 5 mm diameter, 2 mm thick, were made with maxillofacial Factor II A-2000. Samples were divided into four main groups, each with three subgroups of 10 samples. Each subset was inoculated with C. albicans, S. aureus clinical strains, and the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) strains. The specimens were incubated at 37°C for 72 h and then soaked in three disinfectant solutions: a neutral soap solution for 30 s, 0.2% chlorhexidine for 10 min, and aqueous tulsi for 10 min. The disinfection ability was determined based on the number of surviving cells by methoxy-nitro-sulfophenyl-tetrazolium carboxanilide assay, and the results were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance and the post hoc Tukey’s test. Results: There were no significant differences in the ability to disinfect between neutral soap, 0.2% chlorhexidine, and tulsi extract when tested against clinical and ATCC C. albicans and clinical S. aureus. The P > 0.05 indicates that the differences between the disinfection abilities were not statistically significant. However, the 0.2% chlorhexidine disinfectant showed better results when used on Staphylococcus ATCC strains, with a P < 0.001. Conclusion: A 10% aqueous extract of tulsi can be used as a disinfectant for clinical and ATCC strains of C. albicans and the clinical strain of S. aureus.