Original Research Article
Year: 2017 | Month: April | Volume: 7 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 224-228
Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of Ocimum Sanctum L. (Tulsi) Extract against Streptococcus Mutans and Lactobacillus Acidophilus - An in Vitro Study
Dr Akshatha Gadiyar1, Dr Anil V Ankola2, Dr Ladusingh Rajpurohit3
1Lecturer, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Goa Dental College and Hospital, Bambolim, Goa
2Professor and Head, Department of Public Health Dentistry, KLE VK Institute of Dental Sciences, Belgaum, Karnataka
3Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College & Hospital, Pimpri, Pune
Corresponding Author: Dr Akshatha Gadiyar
ABSTRACT
Dental caries is a major public health problem. Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus are the main organisms responsible for the initiation and progression of caries. Various antimicrobials have been used against these caries causing organisms but they have many side effects. Hence there is a need for an alternative which is effective as well as economical. Ocimum sanctum L. has been used in traditional medicine since ancient times for its diverse healing properties. However there is a paucity of literature regarding its antimicrobial activity against oral microorganisms.
Objective: To determine the antimicrobial effect of Ocimum sanctum L. against caries causing microorganisms Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus.
Material and Methods: Ethanolic Ocimum sanctum L. extract was prepared and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the extract was determined against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus by serial broth dilution method.
Results:The MIC of ethanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum L. against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus was 2.5% (25mg/ml) and 10% (100 mg/ml) respectively.
Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum L. showed antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus.
Key words: Antimicrobial, Ocimum Sanctum L, Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus.