Ficus Benghalensis and Stevia formulation based mouthwash and its Anti- cariogenic activity in vitro comparative study

Abstract

Introduction: Ficus benghalensis commonly called alampattai is used to treat diabetes, piles, teeth disorders, rheumatism and to boost the immune system. Stevia rebaudiana commonly called bertoni leaves is a perennial shrub that contains 2 important glycosides, stevioside and rebaudioside that is responsible for producing sweetness intensity 300 times more than sucrose. It has various properties like anti oxidant, antibacterial etc. Mouthwashes are considered to act as potent delivery systems to prevent oral pathogens mainly the S.Mutans, the main organism that causes dental caries. Hence, the present study aims in evaluating the anticariogenic property of the aqueous mouthwash of Ficus benghalensis and stevia extract. Mouthwash preparation - 0.3g of sucrose + 0.001 sodium Benzoate + 0.01g sodium Lauryl sulphate. Dissolved in 10ml distilled water. Then 600μl plant extract + 50μl peppermint oil added as flavouring agent. Antibacterial activity - Studied against S. aureus E.faecalis and S.mutans. MHA is the medium used to determine the zone of inhibition using 5 different concentrations of the mouthwash extract. Antifungal activity- Studied against C. albicans. Sabouraud’s dextrose agar is the medium used to determine the zone of inhibition using different concentrations.The graph shows that the zone of inhibition was greater in S.mutans than in C.albicans, S. aureus and E. faecalis. Hence the mouthwash can be considered to prevent bacteria present in oral cavities. The study concluded that the mouthwash preparation can be used to replace the pharmaceutical mouthwash. But further study and random clinical trials needs to be done to make it more efficient.