Combined Antimicrobial Activity of Extracts from Galls and Aerial Parts for an Anticariogenic Herbal Mouthwash.

OBJECTIVES

Dental caries is one of the most prevalent human diseases worldwide. The disease initiates with bacterial adherence to the tooth surface followed by the formation of dental plaques. Mutans streptococci and are principal oral microorganisms involved in the initiation and development of dental caries. Phytochemicals have been shown to possess promising antimicrobial properties against a wide range of microorganisms and can be used for the prevention and treatment of dental caries. Herein, we reviewed literature on plants that are traditionally used for their antimicrobial properties or possess promising anticariogenic activity. We selected aerial parts of () and galls of () and investigated their antimicrobial activity against cariogenic microorganisms.

METHODS

Water soluble fractions were obtained from hydroalcoholic extracts of . and . and their antimicrobial activity against (), (), and () was evaluated separately and in combination. The extracts were then used for preparing an herbal mouthwash whose stability and tannic acid content were evaluated over 60 days.

RESULTS

. gall extract possesses efficient antimicrobial activity that was synergistically enhanced in the presence of . extract. Mouthwash prepared using these extracts showed desirable organoleptic characteristics, antimicrobial activity, and stability.

CONCLUSION

Extracts of . and . galls can be used together for preparing dental products with effective anticariogenic properties. Our study highlights the importance of extensive pharmacological investigations when using herbal products alone or in combination with other chemical substances.