BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The extracts obtained from the leaves and seeds of (Fenugreek) are effective against various microbial infections. The phytoconstituents of have shown promising effects as anti-diabetics, anti-helmentic, anti-microbial, antifungal, and antipyretic, but its impact on oral pathogens is yet to be established. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the antimicrobial efficacy of phytoconstituents of as compared to 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The methanolic extracts of i.e., fenugreek absolute (FA), diosgenin (DIO), and furanone (FU) were used in this study. The antimicrobial efficacy of these extracts was evaluated by testing the minimal inhibitory concentration, minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC), agar well-diffusion assay, colony-forming unit (CFU) count, and also by using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) against ATCC 25923, ATCC 29212, ATCC 35218, and ATCC 27853.

RESULTS

The results of the study demonstrated that has anti-microbial activity comparable to 0.2% CHX. Well-diffusion assay and CFU count assay of the extracts showed statistically significant ( < 0.001) results. MIC and MBC values were observed for FA, DIO, and FU compared to CHX against these selected test organisms. These results were confirmed by visual validation with CLSM.

CONCLUSION

The use of herbal alternatives in periodontics might prove to be advantageous. can be used as a promising alternative to CHX against , and for the management of oral and periodontal infections.