Development and characterization of Neem, Guava, and Clove-Based Herbal Toothpaste: A comparative study with commercial products

Background: Growing concerns over the adverse effects of synthetic components in toothpaste, such as fluoride and peroxide, have intensified the search for natural alternatives. Herbal bio actives, including neem, guava, and clove, possess antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties suitable for oral care applications. Objective: This study aimed to formulate, evaluate, and compare a herbal toothpaste incorporating neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves, guava (Psidium guajava) leaves, and clove (Syzygium aromaticum) oil with two commercially available herbal formulations. Methods: The toothpaste was prepared using a standardized trituration method and assessed for morphological (colour, odour, texture) and physicochemical parameters (homogeneity, abrasiveness, solubility, pH, foamability, moisture content, viscosity, spreadability, and detection of sharp particles). Comparative analysis was conducted against marketed formulations- Colgate Salt Neem and Dant Kanti under identical laboratory conditions. Results were tabulated and further illustrated through comparative graphs. Results: The formulated toothpaste exhibited desirable organoleptic features, including a greenish-brown colour, characteristic herbal odour, and smooth texture. Physicochemical properties were within acceptable limits, with neutral pH (7.3), complete solubility, and effective abrasiveness. However, viscosity (32,159 cP) and foamability (30%) were significantly lower than Colgate Salt Neem (61,502 cP; 60%) and Dant Kanti (68,302 cP; 70%), potentially influencing spreadability (10.8 vs. 11.6–12.0) and user perception. Moisture content (24%) was slightly higher compared to commercial samples (13.4–14.8%), which may impact shelf stability. Conclusion: The study demonstrates the potential of neem, guava, and clove-based toothpaste as a natural, safe, and effective oral care product. While the formulation exhibited satisfactory performance, optimization of viscosity, foamability, and moisture regulation is warranted to match commercial standards. Future work should include microbial stability studies, long-term storage analysis, and clinical validation to enhance product development for large-scale production.