Estimation of Antimicrobial Properties of Aqueous and Alcoholic Extracts of () on Oral Microbial Pathogens - An Study.

Introduction: Twigs of (Miswak) plant are being used as a means of oral hygiene since ages for brushing teeth. Though clinical research and trials have shown promising results on effectiveness of Miswak, but some reports are conflicting.

Aim: To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of crude aqueous and alcoholic extracts of (Miswak) against the common microbial pathogens causing dental caries and periodontitis.

Materials And Methods: A prospective study of one year duration was conducted in Yenopoya dental and medical college, Mangalore. The twigs of were collected and alcoholic and aqueous extracts were prepared using standard techniques. The antimicrobial properties of the extracts against common oral pathogens like were performed by agar well diffusion method and two fold broth dilution method.

Results: No significant results was obtained when water extracts of was tested except for minimum inhibitory effect against and . Relatively significant inhibitory effect was noted with respect to alcoholic extract of .

Conclusion: Although comparatively less than chlorhexidine which is a known antimicrobial agent, the alcoholic extracts of showed antimicrobial effect against the common microbial pathogens causing dental caries and periodontitis indicating a potential beneficial effect of this plant. However, further research with more standardized extraction procedure and advanced techniques is required to find out the exact chemicals responsible for the antimicrobial properties of the plant extract.