COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL EFFICACY OF 0.2% CHLOROHEXIDINE GLUCONATE AND FENNEL SEED EXTRACT AGAINST STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS AND LACTOBACILLUS ACIDOPHILUS-AN IN VITRO STUDY.

Dr. Parul Bhatnagar*, Dr. Ravinder Kaur Gulati, Dr. Pranav Gupta and Dr. Kumar Nilotpal

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The aim of this present study was to evaluate and compare antimicrobial efficacy of chlorohexidine gluconate and fennel seeds against streptococcus mutans and lactobacillus acidophilus. Study design: A total of six agar petri dishes for Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus were prepared. The methanolic extract of fennel seed and 0.2% chlorohexidine were incoluted on the each petri dishes prepared separately for tested species and incubated at 37ºC for 24 hours. Zone of growth inhibition for each extract was measured in millimeters using antibiotic inhibiting zone measuring scale. Each extract was tested three times. The results was subjected to statistical analysis. Results: 0.2% Chlorohexidine showed the maximum zone of inhibition against S.mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Fennel seeds also inhibited the growth of micro organism but to a lesser degree than 0.2% chlorohexidine gluconate. Conclusion: Chlorohexidine and fennel seed are effective in inhibiting the growth of cariogenic bacteria like Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus. Therefore, both herbal and chemical agents can be effectively used to reduce pathogenic oral microflora.

Keywords: Chlorhexidine gluconate, Fennel seeds, Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Inhibition zone.