ANTICARIOGENIC ACREAGE OF MYROBALAN AND GINGER ON CARIES MICROFLORA

Dr. Vignatha Penumala*, Dr. Bhavana SB., Dr. A. Anuradha, Dr. G. Vijay Srinivas, Dr. Puneeth Hk., Dr. Kiresur MD Asif

ABSTRACT

Background: Herbal medicine is the oldest form of healthcare known to mankind. Herbs had been used by all cultures throughout history. In this study we used two such herbs Ginger (zingiber offcinalia) and Myrobalan (terminalia chebula) (“King of medicines”) to evaluate their anticariogenic activity. Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of ginger and myrobalan against caries microflora. Methodology: Caries samples were collected from 20 patients and sited in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth under aseptic conditions and incubated for 24 hours at 37ºc. This was followed by inoculation of samples in Muller Hinton agar and was incubated for 24 hours at 37ºc. Crude extract of ginger and myrobalan were tested for their antimicrobial activity as compared to standard antibiotic streptomycin discs (25mcg) by using Muller Hinton agar by disc diffusion method. Results: A wide clear zone of inhibition was identified surrounding the crude extract pellets thus proving their antimicrobial activity. Zone of inhibition was measured using a ruler, zone diameter was measured upto edge of the growth as zone of inhibition was clear. Conclusion: Ginger and myrobalan showed antimicrobial activity equivalent to standard antibiotics,so these natural products can be used in diverse pharmacological applications.

Keywords: Ginger, Myrobalan, Antibacterial activity.