Evaluation of antiplaque activity of Azadirachta indica leaf extract gel--a 6-week clinical study

J Ethnopharmacol. 2004 Jan;90(1):99-103. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2003.09.035.

Abstract

Various chemical agents have been evaluated over the years with respect to their antimicrobial effects in the oral cavity; however, all are associated with side effects that prohibit regular long-term use. Therefore, the effectiveness of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) leaf extract against plaque formation was assessed in males between the age group of 20-30 years over a period of 6 weeks. Present study includes formulation of mucoadhesive dental gel containing Azadirachta indica leaf extract (25 mg/g). A 6-week clinical study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of neem extract dental gel with commercially available chlorhexidine gluconate (0.2% w/v) mouthwash as positive control. Microbial evaluation of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli species was carried out to determine the total decrease in the salivary bacterial count over a period of treatment using a semi-quantitative four quadrant streaking method. The results of the study suggested that the dental gel containing neem extract has significantly (P<0.05) reduced the plaque index and bacterial count than that of the control group.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Azadirachta*
  • Dental Plaque / microbiology
  • Dental Plaque / prevention & control*
  • Gels
  • Humans
  • Lactobacillaceae / drug effects
  • Male
  • Phytotherapy
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use
  • Plant Leaves
  • Streptococcus mutans / drug effects

Substances

  • Gels
  • Plant Extracts