Abstract
ABSTRACTAim: To analyze the efficacy of three different concentrations of Ocimum sanctum extract against various microorganisms, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus sanguis, Lactobacillus acidophilus.Materials and methods: Ethanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum was prepared by the hot extraction method. The extract was diluted with an inert solvent, dimethyl sulfoxide to obtain 3 different concentrations (2.5, 5 and 10%) of the extract. 0.2% chlorhexidine was used as a positive control and dimethyl sul-foxide was used as a negative control. The extract, along with the controls, was then subjected to microbiological investigation to determine which concentration among the 3 different concentrations of extract gave a wider inhibition zone against S. mutans, S. mitis, S. sanguis, L. acidophilus. The zones of inhibition were measured in millimeters.Results: Ocimum sanctum leaf extract demonstrated maximum antimicrobial activity against microorganisms responsible for dental caries at the 10% concentration level although 5 and 2.5% were also effective. Maximum activity was seen against S. mutans and S. sanguis with 10% extract.Conclusion: Ocimum sanctum leaf extract was effective against all the microorganisms.How to cite this article: Pai RK, Bhat SS, Salman A, Chandra J. Use of an Extract of Indian Sacred Plant Ocimum Sanctum as an Anticariogenic Agent: An in vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2015;8(2):99-101.
Highlights
Tulsi known in English as Holy Basil and botanically called Ocimum sanctum is described as a sacred and medicinal plant in Ancient literature
Maximum activity was seen against S. mutans and S. sanguis with 10% extract
Ocimum sanctum leaf extract was effective against all the microorganisms
Summary
Tulsi known in English as Holy Basil and botanically called Ocimum sanctum is described as a sacred and medicinal plant in Ancient literature. The name Tulsi which in Sanskrit means ‘The incomparable One’, has got two varieties, Krishna Tulsi (black) and Rama Tulsi (green).[4,5] Their chemical constituents are similar but Krishna Tulsi possesses great medicinal value as mentioned in Charaka Samhita, an ancient Indian literature. It is a herb that is bestowed with enormous antimicrobial substances and used to treat a variety of illnesses ranging from diabetes, arthritis, bronchitis, skin diseases, etc.[4,5]. Dental caries is one of the most common microbial disease affecting humans children. The main bacteria involved in caries are Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus sanguis and Lactobacillus acidophilus
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
