IN- VITRO ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF SPILANTHES ACMELLA (AKARKARA) EXTRACT ON PORPHYROMONAS GINGIVALIS AND AGGREGATIBACTOR ACTINOMYCETEMCOMITANS

Abstract

Periodontal diseases are caused by certain bacteria found in the bacterial plaque. Usage of plant-derived antimicrobial agents could serve as an effective alternative treatment against periodontal infections due to continuous rise seen in antibiotic resistance. Spilanthes acmella (S. acmella), a vital medicinal plant has been used for its various properties such as anti- inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antinociceptive, anti-cancerous and hastening wound healing. This study was conducted to assess its antibacterial efficacy against common periodontal pathogens.Objective: The present study was conducted to assess the antibacterial activity of S. acmella plant extract against Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), and Aggregatibactor actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) and determine the presence of various phytochemicals in it.Materials and Methodology: An extract was prepared using dried S. acmella plant powder and mixed with methanol in 1:1 (w/v) ratio. Determination of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was done by using tube dilution technique and time- kill assay was performed against Pg and Aa. Presence of phytochemicals was checked by thin layer chromatography (TLC) method.Results: MIC of S. acmella was found to be 40 μg/ml for Pg and 20 μg/ml for Aa within 2 h interval. Various phytochemicals were found in S. acmella extract which may be responsible for its anti- bacterial property.Conclusion: S. acmella extract shows a significant antibacterial effect against the major periodontal pathogens and hence may be a potential natural alternative for controlling the growth of these bacteria.