Efficacy of garlic extract and chlorhexidine mouthwash in reduction of oral salivary microorganisms, an in vitro study

• Published in: Ancient science of life Vol. 34; no. 2; p. 85
• Main Authors: Ajay Rao, H T, Bhat, Sham S, Hegde, Sundeep, Jhamb, Vikram
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd 01-04-2014; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd; Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
• Subjects: Chlorhexidine mouthwash; Cyclohexane; Garlic; garlic extract; Health aspects; Host-parasite relationships; Materia medica, Vegetable; Mouth diseases; oral microorganisms; Original; Plant extracts; Prevention; garlic extract; oral microorganisms; Chlorhexidine mouthwash
• ISSN: 0257-7941; 2249-9547
• DOI: 10.4103/0257-7941.153465

To assess and compare the antimicrobial effect of garlic extract and chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash solution against oral salivary microorganisms.
Thirty six salivary samples were obtained in dry plastic vials. Collected saliva samples were centrifuged. Each vial was mixed completely on a shaker after which 1 ml of saliva was added to 9 ml of ethanol by a sterile pipette and mixed. A volume of 1 ml of garlic hydro-alcoholic extract and 1 ml of mouthwash was added to 1 ml each case specimen and was transferred to culture medium of Trypticase Soy Agar. Agar plates were incubated at 37°C for 48 h to allow for microbial growth. Microbial colonies were counted by independent interpreter to evaluate the result.
Data obtained were analyzed using one-way ANOVA test. P < 0.001 was considered statistically significant.
Result of the study shows that mean colony count of salivary microbial population was (1984 ± 400) 1127 in saline group (negative control), (50 ± 4) 27 in (0.12%) CHX group (positive control), (700 ± 200) 469 in garlic extract (5%) group (case control).
Mouthwash containing garlic extract can be used as an alternative to CHX mouthwash.