Antimicrobial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Ocimum tenuiflorum and Ocimum gratissimum Herbal Formulations

Background The exploration of green synthesis for silver nanoparticles using diverse plant sources has gained significant attention. This study specifically investigates the use of Ocimum tenuiflorum and Ocimum gratissimum, known for their antibacterial properties, in synthesizing silver nanoparticles. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of silver nanoparticles synthesized using a herbal formulation composed of Ocimum tenuiflorum and Ocimum gratissimum against different oral pathogens. Materials and methods The process involved the combination of herbal extracts from Ocimum tenuiflorum and Ocimum gratissimum with a silver nitrate solution leading to the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The formation of silver nanoparticles was confirmed by ultraviolet and visible absorption spectroscopy. The obtained silver nanoparticles were used to study their antimicrobial activity. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion method against pathogens including Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, C. albicans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and S. aureus. The zone of inhibition quantified antimicrobial effectiveness. A time-kill curve assay evaluated bactericidal properties and the concentration-dependent relationship between silver nanoparticles and the net growth rate of oral pathogens. Results Statistical analysis was done to compare measures such as mean, standard deviation, and percentages. The antimicrobial assessment demonstrated that 100 μg/mL of silver nanoparticles exhibited the highest efficacy against S. mutans, S. aureus, E. faecalis, and Lactobacillus sp. For C. albicans, all concentrations of silver nanoparticles and the control plant extract displayed similar antimicrobial activity. The time-kill assay illustrated effective inhibition at 100 μg/mL against all tested pathogens, including S. mutans, S. aureus, E. faecalis, C. albicans, and Lactobacillus sp. The result showed positive inhibitory activity of silver nanoparticles against all tested bacterial strains. Conclusion The significant antimicrobial efficacy of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles positions them as promising candidates for dental applications. Their demonstrated bactericidal and fungicidal activities suggest potential use as effective dental antimicrobial agents, opening avenues for innovative solutions in oral healthcare.