T. V. Rajalakshmi Rakshanaa, T. Lakshmi

Abstract

The study was to evaluate in vitro antibacterial effect of herbal mouthwash containing Liquorice root, Tulsi leaf against Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus sanguis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus. ATCC strains were obtained from Hi media (Mumbai). Using Agar well diffusion method, susceptibility tests were performed overnight incubation at 37°C. All tests were performed in duplicate. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were also performed by broth dilution method. The herbal mouthwash showed significant antibacterial efficacy against the oral microbes tested. MIC/MBC shows good efficacy against S. mutans and related strains and moderate efficacy against L. acidophilus. The search for herbal compounds with antibacterial efficacy is a progressing challenge, and medicinal plants have been considered an interesting alternative to synthetic drug. In conclusion, the study reveals that the herbal mouthwash possesses significant anticariogenic/antiplaque efficacy.