Effect of Herbal Extracts in Prevention of Dental Caries - An In Vitro Study | Insight Medical Publishing

Background: Use of herbal extracts for medicinal purpose is used in all civilizations and cultures and hence herbal extracts play a key role in health care systems worldwide. Thymus vulgaris is a species of flowering plant of mint family. It has antiseptic, antispasmodic, antibacterial activity for which it is used for various medicinal purposes. Acacia catechu is species of fabaceae. Its extracts is used for the purpose of gargling to treat diseases of gingiva. Aim: The aim of this study is to estimate the antimicrobial activity of Acacia catechu and Thymus vulgaris in prevention of dental caries. Materials and methods: The antimicrobial activity will be screened by agar well diffusion technique using herbal extracts of Acacia catechu and Thymus vulgaris. Results: The Acacia catechu bark extract was more effective against Streptococcus sangius with a zone of inhibition of 24 mm diameter (at conc. 1000 μg/ml) with Streptococcus mutans the zone size was found to be 22 mm diameter and Thymus vulgaris extract showed a zone of 19 mm and 17 mm diameter (at conc. 1000 μg/ml) against Streptococcus sangius and Streptococcus mutans respectively. Conclusion: Acacia catechu bark and Thymus vulgaris extracts have got a very good antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguis than chlorhexidine. Keywords Thymus vulgaris; Acacia catechu; Streptococcus mutans; Streptococcus sanguis; Dental caries; Zones