Effect Of Antimicrobial Activity Of Herbal Medicines On Streptococcus Mutans

Abstract

Background: Many plants or herbs exhibit potent antimicrobial activity against various microorganisms. They have no side effects and presumably act against and modulate the factors that are crucial for microbial survival or their activity. Osimum sanctum(Tulsi)is the most commonly found in households plants of India. Azadirachta indica (Neem) is perhaps most traditionally useful plant in India. As well aleo vera has also medicinal properties. Streptococcus mutans is a pioneer bacteria implicated in dental caries. This study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Tulsi, Neem and Aleo vera on Streptococcus mutans by evaluating their zone of inhibition and determining their minimum inhibitory concentration. Material And Methods: Tulsi powder, Neem and Aleo vera gel were incorporated in blood agar in which streptococcus mutans were cultivated. Antibacterial effect was studied at various concentrations of Tulsi, Neem and Aleo vera gel. Result: All three herbal medicines showed different sized zone of inhibition at different concentrations.Conclusion: Tulsi, Neem and Aleo vera gel have antimicrobial effect at different concentrations. [Shah P, Natl J Integr Res Med, 2019; 10(6):16-18]