Antibacterial potential of a mouthwash based on Azadirachta indica (neem) on oral pathogens

Abstract

Introduction: The high prevalence of oral diseases and the side effects of synthetic drugs has promoted the study of therapeutic alternatives such as medicinal plants that are safe, effective and economical for the population. Objective: To evaluate the antibacterial potential of 2 mouthwashes based on Azadirachta indica (neem) on Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis. Methods: Experimental study. Two mouthwashes were made from the hydroethanolic extract of neen with concentrations of 25 mg/mL and 50 mg/mL. The antibacterial potential was evaluated by the disk diffusion method. The data were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey in the statistical package SPSS v.26. Results: For Streptococcus mutans, the halo of the mouthwash with 25 mg/mL of neem extract was 25.12 ± 0.798 mm; that of 50 mg/mL formed a halo of 29.40 ± 1.197 mm; the negative control a halo of 8.62 ± 0.132 mm and chlorhexidine 0.12% a halo of 17.64 ± 0.160 mm. For Enterococcus faecalis , the halo of the mouthwash with 25 mg/mL was 18.23 ± 1,150 mm; that of 50 mg/mL a halo of 20.93 ± 0.487 mm; the negative control a halo of 7.91 ± 0.417 mm and chlorhexidine 0.12% a halo of 16.50 ± 0.505 mm. Conclusion: Neem-based mouthwashes have in vitro antibacterial potential against Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis and could be used in the future to control them and other oral pathogens.

Keywords

• antibacterianos
• extractos vegetales
• azadirachta
• streptococcus mutans
• enterococcus faecalis
• antisépticos bucales.