Phytochemical Analysis and Antimicrobial Activity of Herbal Plants Against Oral Microorganisms

With about 700 different kinds of bacteria, the mouth cavity has the second most diverse and massive microbiota in the body, behind the gut. It supports a wide variety of microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungus, and protozoa. Certain kinds of oral microbes are implicated in the development of numerous infections in other areas of the body as well as the pathophysiology of infectious disorders of the mouth, jaw, and face. Herbal plants show long lasting antibacterial and antifungal activity against human pathogens, which are essential in the treatment of dental disorders. Herbal mouthwashes are in high demand, because they have less side effects and do not disturb the normal microflora. This study includes testing the efficacy of antibacterial and phytochemical properties of herbal extracts by using the extracts of leaves of plants namely Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass), Bryophylum pinnatum (cathedral bells), and seeds of Croton tiglium (Jayapala) that acts against the oral pathogens. Further the anti-microbial activity of the leaf and seed extracts was analysed using agar well diffusion method. The organisms used for analysis are Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis which are gram positive bacteria. These herbal extracts are found sensitive to the oral microorganism.