Antibacterial Efficacy of Mouthwash Prepared from Pomegranate, Grape Seed and Guava Extracts against Oral Streptococci: An in Vivo Study

Abstract

Background: Pomegranate, Grape seed and Guava extracts have much been reviewed in Ayurveda and has been proven to have antibacterial action Aim: The objective of the study is to investigate and compare the mouthwash prepared from pomegranate, grape seed and guava extracts on salivary streptococci levels at the end of 48 hr and 7 days, of twice a day usage.

Study design: 40 school going children aged 8-10 yrs, randomly allocated into 4 groups (n=10 for experimental group) were asked to rinse with a) Mouthwash prepared from Pomegranate extract, 15 ml twice a day b) Mouthwash prepared from Grape seed extract, 15 ml twice a day, c) Mouthwash prepared from guava extract, 15 ml twice a day, d) Control- Distil water, twice a day. The oral streptococci colony forming units/ml (CFU/ml) was assessed by inoculating the salivary samples on blood agar media at the end of 48 hrs, and 7 days.

Results and conclusion: the aqueous extracts of the chosen herbal plants showed an acceptable antibacterial efficacy against oral streptococci.

Keywords: Pomegranate extract; antibacterial; grape seed extract; guava extract.