Assessing compatibility of excipients selected for a sustained release formulation of bilberry leaf extract

Abstract The study is aimed to assess the compatibility of bilberry leaf powder extract (BLPE) with six excipients selected for sustained-release (SR) tablet formulation. The BLPE was obtained with the addition of L-arginine and Myo-inositol as the carriers. Thermogravimetric (TG-DTG) analysis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), supported by Pearson correlation analysis, were applied to detect possible interactions in the binary mixtures (1:1) of the BLPE with each excipient. The TG-DTG showed some deviations in the thermal behavior of the BLPE / excipient mixtures. However, only the thermal behavior of magnesium stearate in the mixture significantly differed from individual samples, which suggested chemical interaction for this excipient. The FTIR analysis confirmed that the BLPE is compatible with Eudragit L100, Methocel K4M, Methocel K100LV, Avicel PH-101, and Plasdone S-630. Whereas it undergoes solid-state chemical interaction in the binary mixture with magnesium stearate. According to the FTIR-spectra, it is suggested that this interaction results in the formation of stearic acid and alkalization of the medium. These findings evidence for the possibility of using TG-DTG analysis as an independent thermal technique for compatibility studies and also confirm the earlier reported interaction of basic lubricants, e.g., stearic salts, with active ingredients containing amino groups.

Rauwolfia vomitoria extract suppresses benign prostatic hyperplasia by reducing expression of androgen receptor and 5α-reductase in a rat model / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#Herbal medicine is an important therapeutic option for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common disease in older men that can seriously affect their quality of life. Currently, it is crucial to develop agents with strong efficacy and few side effects. Herein we investigated the effects of the extract of Rauwolfia vomitoria, a shrub grown in West Africa, on BPH.@*METHODS@#Rats with testosterone-induced BPH were treated with R. vomitoria. Prostates were histologically analyzed by Hematoxylin and eosin staining. Proliferation index and the expression levels of androgen receptor and its associated proteins were quantified through immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. Androgen receptor target genes were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The sperm count and body weight of rats were also measured.@*RESULTS@#The oral administration of R. vomitoria extract significantly reduced the prostate weight and prostate weight index in BPH rats, supported by the decreased thickness of the prostate epithelial layer and increased lumen size. Similar effects were observed in the BPH rats treated with the reference drug, finasteride. R. vomitoria extract significantly reduced the testosterone-induced proliferation markers, including proliferating cell nuclear antigen and cyclin D1, in the prostate glands of BPH rats; it also reduced levels of androgen receptor, its associated protein steroid 5α-reductase 1 and its downstream target genes (FK506-binding protein 5 and matrix metalloproteinase 2). Notably, compared with the finasteride group, R. vomitoria extract did not significantly reduce sperm count.@*CONCLUSION@#R. vomitoria suppresses testosterone-induced BPH development. Due to its milder side effects, R. vomitoria could be a promising therapeutic agent for BPH.

Human pulp tissue dissolution ability of different extracts of Sapindus mukorossi: An in vitro study / 中草药·英文版

Objective: Due to the many negative properties of sodium hypochlorite used in current root canal treatment, interest in biocompatible natural agents is increasing day by day. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether various extract solutions of Sapindus mukorossi have dissolution effects on human pulp tissues. Methods: Primarily powder extracts were obtained by extracting fruit shells of S. mukorossi in different solvents (ethanol, methanol, buthanol and distilled water). The test solutions were prepared and randomly separated into six groups with 10 samples in each group: ethanol extract, methanol extract, butanol extract, distilled water extract of S. mukorossi, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and the control group. Among these, S. mukorossi extracts were separated into two subgroups, depending on their concentration level (50 µg/mL and 100 µg/mL). The pulp tissues of freshly extracted human molars were used for dissolution test. The weights of the pulpal tissues were measured and recorded for two times after the samples were placed in the solutions. Statistical analysis for all descriptive statistics was performed using SPSS 22 (P < 0.05). Results: Our results showed that maximum percent yield of preparation was obtained in methanol extract of S. mukorossi. Among all of the groups, the best dissolution capacity was seen in the NaOCl group (positive control group). Among S. mukorossi groups, the best tissue solvent solution was found in SMM group at 50 µg/mL and SMB group at 100 µg/mL. Conclusion: The different extracts of S. mukorossi had a capacity to dissolve pulp tissue but this capacity was less than NaOCl. Therefore, further studies will enable the creation of a commercial solution for clinical use by increasing the effectiveness of S. mukorossi while combining it with other endodontic irrigation solutions.

RE-ORGA, a Korean Herb Extract, Can Prevent Hair Loss Induced by Dihydrotestosterone in Human Dermal Papilla Cells

BACKGROUND: Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss. It is likely inherited genetically and is promoted by dihydrotestosterone. 5α-reductase has been proven a good target through finasteride use. However, the pathogenesis of AGA cannot be fully explained based only on dihydrotestosterone levels. OBJECTIVE: To identify similar hairloss inhibition activity of RE-ORGA with mode of action other than finasteride. METHODS: We prepared RE-ORGA from Korean herb mixtures. We performed MTT assays for cytotoxicity, Cell Counting Kit-8 assays for cell proliferation, and western blot to identify expression levels of 5α-reductase and Bax. RNA-sequencing was performed for the expression patterns of genes in dihydrotestosterone-activated pathways. Anti-inflammatory activity was also assessed by the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6. RESULTS: REORGA could promote the proliferation of human dermal papilla cells and showed low cytotoxicity. It also inhibited the expression of 5α-reductases and Bax in the cells. RNA-sequencing results verified that the mRNA expressions of SRD5A1, Bax, transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), and TGF-β1 induced transcript 1 (TGFβ1I1) were decreased, whereas expression of protein tyrosine kinase 2 beta (PTK2β) was more elevated. REORGA also showed anti-inflammatory activity through decreased mRNA levels of TNF-α. CONCLUSION: Transcriptionally, up-regulation of PTK2β and concomitant down-regulation of TGFβ1I1 imply that RE-ORGA can modulate androgen receptor sensitivity, decreasing the expression of 5α-reductase type II and Bax together with TGF-β1 transcripts; RE-ORGA also showed partial anti-inflammatory activity. Overall, RE-ORGA is expected to alleviate hair loss by regulating 5α-reductase activity and the receptor's androgen sensitivity.

Multivariate modeling to evaluate effect of fabricating process on product profile of high shear granulation / 中草药·英文版

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of high shear granulation (HSG) for agglomeration of Crataegi Folium extract (Chinese edible herbal), and explore the effect of process variables on granule critical quality attributes (CQAs) by three different models, i.e., response surface methodology (RSM), multilayer perceptron neural networks (MLP), and partial least squares method (PLS). Methods: RSM, MLP, and PLS complementary to design of experiment (DoE) were utilized to investigate the influence of granulation time, impeller speed, and binder amount on the products. Crataegi Folium extract was employed as granulation powder. RSM was further carried out to develop design space of HSG. Results: The results indicated that RSM, MLP, and PLS modeling techniques enhanced the understanding and controlling of granules produced via HSG. The granule CQAs were mainly influenced by granulation time, impeller speed, and binder amount. Overlay plots of the RSM indicated that design space for the operating ranges of impeller speed and binder amount at high levels of granulation time was the smallest. Conclusion: The study showed that these models were useful to characterize the granulation process, and was particularly important to understand the process.

A study of fortification of lemonade with herbal extracts

Abstract The aim of the present work was to design new beverages using lemonade and some herbal extracts (linden, heather, green tea, lemon verbena, clove, peppermint, ginger and mate) rich in vitamin C and flavonoids. The linden-added lemonade showed the highest value (597.9 mg/kg) for ascorbic acid content, whereas the lemon verbena-added lemonade showed the lowest value (486.04 mg/kg). The amount of saccharose was changed by 11.07-11.58%, the glucose by 1.11-1.62% and the fructose between 11.07-11.58% in the beverages. K, Na, Mg and P values in the lemonades were determined in the range of 178.83-210.98 mg/kg, 33.75-39.13 mg/kg, 22.37-27.89 mg/kg and 7.22-10.04 mg/kg, respectively. The total phenolic content in the samples changed between 315.11-397.57 mg GAE/100 g. When the samples were analyzed for antioxidant activity, FRAP (17.13-26.79 µmol trolox/mL) and ABTS (16.91-25.38 µmol trolox/mL) methods gave higher results than the DPPH (14.88-17.72 µmol trolox/mL) method. Linden-, ginger- and peppermint-added lemonades, which had been found to be rich in total phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid, showed higher antioxidant activity than the control sample. Overall, the most preferred lemonades were heather- and ginger-added beverages and the control sample. Mate-added lemonade was the least preferred.

Comparative effect of propolis of honey bee and some herbal extracts on Candida albicans / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To determine the effect of propolis on Candida albicans and to compare it with the effects of some other herbal extracts and antibiotics on this pathogenic fungi.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The extracts of propolis, Thymus vulgaris, Caryophillium aromaticus, Echinophora platyloba, Allium cepa and Cinnamomum zeylanicum were prepared and the antifungi effects of the extracts were examined on Candida albicans ATCC10231 using disc-diffusion assay and micro-broth dilution. The minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) as well as inhibition zone were evaluated and the anti fungi effects of herbal extracts were compared with amphotricin B and nystatin at the times of 24, 48 and 72 h. Data analysis was performed using t test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Obtained results showed that propolis extract with MICand MFC equal to 39 and 65 μg/mL, respectively, possess the highest antifungal activity when compared with other studied extracts. The extracts of Allium cepa and Thymus vulgaris, with MFC of 169 and 137 μg/mL, respectively, showed the lowest effects on the fungi. Also nystatin and amphotricin B yielded better effects on the tested fungi compared with the effects of all studied extracts on Candida albicans.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Propolis extract is effective in controlling Candida albicans. However, the issue requires further investigation on samples in animals and performing toxicological examinations.</p>

Effect of alcohol extract of Cortex Eucommiae on oxidative stress markers in serum of brain aging model mice / 国际药学研究杂志

Objective To explore the effect of Cortex Eucommiae (CE) extract on oxidative stress markers of brain aging mice. Methods Brain aging mice model was made via subcutaneously administered D-galactose. The ethanol extract of CE was intra-gastrically administered to the model mice. Apoptosis ratio of brain cells of mice was determined by a flow cytometry to evaluate the anti-aging function of CE extract. A series of biomarkers related to oxidation, including malonyldialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dis-mutase (SOD), protein carbonyl (PCO), and nitric oxide (NO) in serum of mice were determined by ELISA. Results Compared with the model mice, the apoptosis ratio of brain cells in the CE extract group decreased significantly (P<0.01). ELISA test results showed that,compared with the normal group, NO and SOD levels in serum of CE extract group were significantly higher (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, MDA and PCO levels in serum of CE extract group were significantly lower (P<0.01), and SOD level was obviously higher (P<0.01). Conclusion The CE extract might play the role of brain anti-aging by the effective attenuation of oxidative damage.

Effect of alcohol extract of Cortex Eucommiae on oxidative stress markers in serum of brain aging model mice / 国际药学研究杂志

Objective To explore the effect of Cortex Eucommiae(CE)extract on oxidative stress markers of brain aging mice. Methods Brain aging mice model was made via subcutaneously administered D-galactose. The ethanol extract of CE was intra?gastrically administered to the model mice. Apoptosis ratio of brain cells of mice was determined by a flow cytometry to evaluate the an?ti-aging function of CE extract. A series of biomarkers related to oxidation,including malonyldialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dis?mutase(SOD),protein carbonyl(PCO),and nitric oxide(NO)in serum of mice were determined by ELISA. Results Compared with the model mice,the apoptosis ratio of brain cells in the CE extract group decreased significantly(P<0.01). ELISA test results showed that,compared with the normal group,NO and SOD levels in serum of CE extract group were significantly higher(P<0.01). Compared with the model group,MDA and PCO levels in serum of CE extract group were significantly lower(P<0.01),and SOD level was obviously higher(P<0.01). Conclusion The CE extract might play the role of brain anti-aging by the effective attenuation of ox?idative damage.

In vitro antibacterial activity of ethanolic extract of Morus alba leaf against periodontal pathogens.

Context: Antibiotic resistance is a major problem with inadvertent usage. Thus, there is a need to search for new antimicrobial agents of herbal origin to combat antibiotic resistance. One such plant is Morus alba which has a long history of medicinal use in traditional Chinese medicine. Aim: To compare the antibacterial activity of ethanolic extract of M. alba leaves with chlorhexidine gluconate against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Tannerella forsythia. Settings and Design: Experimental in vitro study. Methodology: Crude extract from the leaves of M. alba were prepared by Soxhlet extraction method by using ethanol as a solvent. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extract was assessed against A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis and T. forsythia, and compared with that of chlorhexidine gluconate by broth dilution method. Results: P. gingivalis was the most sensitive organism against the M. alba extract with an MIC value of 1.95 mg/ml; while T. forsythia and P. gingivalis both were most sensitive organisms against chlorhexidine gluconate with MIC values of 0.00781 mg/ml. Conclusion: M. alba possess good antibacterial activity against A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis and T. forsythia and thus would be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease. However, chlorhexidine gluconate was found to be more effective when compared to M. alba.

Effects of the Combination Herbal Extract on Working Memory and White Matter Integrity in Healthy Individuals with Subjective Memory Complaints : A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVES: The combination extract of four kinds of herbs, Gastrodia elata, Liriope platyphylla, Dimocarpus longan, and Salvia miltiorrhiza, has shown to have memory improving effects in mice. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of the herbal mixture for improving working memory as well as microstructural changes in white matter integrity in individuals with subjective memory complaints. METHODS: Seventy-five individuals with subjective memory complaints were assigned to receive either placebo (n = 15) or herbal mixture (low-dose group, n = 30 and high-dose group, n = 30) supplementation in an 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Changes in working memory performance and fractional anisotropy (FA) values reflecting white matter integrity from baseline to 8-week endpoint were assessed. RESULTS: The herbal mixture group showed an increase in working memory performance compared to the placebo group (p for interaction = 0.001). In addition, the herbal mixture group showed an increase in FA values in the temporo-parietal regions (corrected p < 0.05), which are crucially involved in working memory function and are among the most affected regions in patients with cognitive impairments. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study indicate that the herbal mixture may be a promising therapeutic option for individuals with subjective memory complaints.

In-vitro antibacterial activity of herbal aqueous extract against multi-drug resistant Klebsiella sp. isolated from human clinical samples.

The studies were carried out to evaluate antibacterial activity of 35 aqueous herbal extracts against a total of 20 clinical Klebshiella sp. isolates. The maximum antibacterial activity was found as 90% in crude extracts of Syzygium aromaticum (leaf) and Citrus limon L. (fruit) followed by 85% in Spondias pinnata (leaf). Sensitivity of these isolates was also evaluated for eight commercial antibiotic discs following disc diffusion assay where most of the isolates found to develop resistance against multiple commercial antibiotics. 85% of isolates exhibited resistant to chloramphenicol and erythromycin and 80% were resiatant to sulfamethoxazole and cephradine. The isolates showed their resistance between 55-60 % to the other four antibiotic discs, viz; gentamycin, streptomycin, ciprofloxacin and azithromycin. Among 35 herbal extracts tested, 19 herbal extrats were found to possess antimicrobial activity in all multi-drug resistant isolates. Therefore these herbal extracts could be used in future direction as alternative therapeutic agents for the treatment of human diseases caused by Klebsiella sp.

In-vitro antibacterial activity of herbal aqueous extract against multi-drug resistant Klebsiella sp. isolated from human clinical samples.

The studies were carried out to evaluate antibacterial activity of 35 aqueous herbal extracts against a total of 20 clinical Klebshiella sp. isolates. The maximum antibacterial activity was found as 90% in crude extracts of Syzygium aromaticum (leaf) and Citrus limon L. (fruit) followed by 85% in Spondias pinnata (leaf). Sensitivity of these isolates was also evaluated for eight commercial antibiotic discs following disc diffusion assay where most of the isolates found to develop resistance against multiple commercial antibiotics. 85% of isolates exhibited resistant to chloramphenicol and erythromycin and 80% were resiatant to sulfamethoxazole and cephradine. The isolates showed their resistance between 55-60 % to the other four antibiotic discs, viz; gentamycin, streptomycin, ciprofloxacin and azithromycin. Among 35 herbal extracts tested, 19 herbal extrats were found to possess antimicrobial activity in all multi-drug resistant isolates. Therefore these herbal extracts could be used in future direction as alternative therapeutic agents for the treatment of human diseases caused by Klebsiella sp

Antimicrobial and Antiinflammatory Potential of the Swedish Herbs Extract.

Oral conditions that produce the greatest damage on individuals are cavities and periodontal disease, hence non-expensive and effective solutions are immediately required, particularly for communities with no access to dental services. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory potential of the Swedish bitter herbal extract was evaluated, using pure microbial cultures and clinical samples of 29 patients. It was observed that the extract caused significant (p<0.05) in vitro growth inhibition of up to 29%, 17%, 15%, and 50% against Prevotella intermedia, Bacteroides forsythus, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus intermedius, respectively. In addition, the extract significantly (p<0.05) inhibited oral flora growth in patient samples showing MICs of < 7.8 μg/ml in 21% of the patients, 15.6μg/ml in 17% of the patients, 31.2 μg/ml in 10% of the patients, 62.5 μg/ml in 17% of the patients, 125 μg/ml in 3% of the patients, and 250 μg/ml in 7% of the patients, and induced a maximum of 75% growth inhibition, as measured by the MTT reduction assay. The extract was also observed to significantly suppress production of the inflammatory marker nitric oxide by LPS-treated murine peritoneal macrophages. The Swedish herbal extract may be considered in the clinics to prevent or treat bacterial oral infections and at the same time reducing inflammation.

Effects of Mixed Herbal Extracts from Parched Puerariae Radix, Gingered Magnoliae Cortex, Glycyrrhizae Radix and Euphorbiae Radix (KIOM-79) on Cardiac Ion Channels and Action Potentials

KIOM-79, a mixture of ethanol extracts from four herbs (parched Puerariae radix, gingered Magnoliae cortex, Glycyrrhizae radix and Euphorbiae radix), has been developed for the potential therapeutic application to diabetic symptoms. Because screening of unexpected cardiac arrhythmia is compulsory for the new drug development, we investigated the effects of KIOM-79 on the action potential (AP) and various ion channel currents in cardiac myocytes. KIOM-79 decreased the upstroke velocity (Vmax) and plateau potential while slightly increased the duration of action potential (APD). Consistent with the decreased Vmax and plateau potential, the peak amplitude of Na+ current (INa) and Ca2+ current (ICa,L) were decreased by KIOM-79. KIOM-79 showed dual effects on hERG K+ current; increase of depolarization phase current (Idepol) and decreased tail current at repolarization phase (Itail). The increase of APD was suspected due to the decreased Itail. In computer simulation, the change of cardiac action potential could be well simulated based on the effects of KIOM-79 on various membrane currents. As a whole, the influence of KIOM-79 on cardiac ion channels are minor at concentrations effective for the diabetic models (0.1-10 microg/mL). The results suggest safety in terms of the risk of cardiac arrhythmia. Also, our study demonstrates the usefulness of the cardiac computer simulation in screening drug-induced long-QT syndrome.

Effects of Mixed Herbal Extracts from Parched Puerariae Radix, Gingered Magnoliae Cortex, Glycyrrhizae Radix and Euphorbiae Radix (KIOM-79) on Cardiac Ion Channels and Action Potentials

KIOM-79, a mixture of ethanol extracts from four herbs (parched Puerariae radix, gingered Magnoliae cortex, Glycyrrhizae radix and Euphorbiae radix), has been developed for the potential therapeutic application to diabetic symptoms. Because screening of unexpected cardiac arrhythmia is compulsory for the new drug development, we investigated the effects of KIOM-79 on the action potential (AP) and various ion channel currents in cardiac myocytes. KIOM-79 decreased the upstroke velocity (Vmax) and plateau potential while slightly increased the duration of action potential (APD). Consistent with the decreased Vmax and plateau potential, the peak amplitude of Na+ current (INa) and Ca2+ current (ICa,L) were decreased by KIOM-79. KIOM-79 showed dual effects on hERG K+ current; increase of depolarization phase current (Idepol) and decreased tail current at repolarization phase (Itail). The increase of APD was suspected due to the decreased Itail. In computer simulation, the change of cardiac action potential could be well simulated based on the effects of KIOM-79 on various membrane currents. As a whole, the influence of KIOM-79 on cardiac ion channels are minor at concentrations effective for the diabetic models (0.1-10 microg/mL). The results suggest safety in terms of the risk of cardiac arrhythmia. Also, our study demonstrates the usefulness of the cardiac computer simulation in screening drug-induced long-QT syndrome.

Inhibition of Arterial Myogenic Responses by a Mixed Aqueous Extract of Salvia Miltiorrhiza and Panax Notoginseng (PASEL) Showing Antihypertensive Effects

The dried roots of Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) and Sanchi (Panax notoginseng) have been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for promoting blood circulation as well as various other bodily functions. Here we investigated the effects of a mixture of aqueous extracts of Danshen and Sanchi, named PASEL, on blood pressure and vascular contractility in rats. Orally administered PASEL (62.5 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg, for 5 weeks) lowered the blood pressure of spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) but this was not observed in normal Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKR). We then investigated the effects of PASEL on the arterial contraction of the small branches of cerebral arteries (CAs) and large conduit femoral arteries (FAs) in rats. PASEL did not affect high-K (KCl 60 mM)- or phenyleprine (PhE)-induced contracture of FAs. The myogenic response, a reactive arterial constriction in response to increased luminal pressure, of small CA was dose-dependently suppressed by PASEL in SHR as well as control rats. Interestingly, the KCl-induced contraction of small CAs was slowly reversed by PASEL, and this effect was more prominent in SHR than control WKR. PASEL did not inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity. These results demonstrated that the antihypertensive effect of PASEL might be primarily mediated by altering the arterial MR, not by direct inhibition of L-type Ca2+ channels or by ACE inhibition.

Protective and therapeutic effects of an extract mixture of alder tree, labiate herb, milk thistle green bean-rice bran fermentation, and turnip against ethanol-induced toxicity in the rat

An herbal extract mixture and yogurt added to the herbal extract mixture were tested for their protective and therapeutic effects on ethanol-induced liver injury. The herbal extract mixture, yogurt and commercial drugs were used for treatment for two weeks prior to administering a single oral dose of ethanol (3 g/kg body weight). The herbal extract mixture and yogurt added to the herbal extract mixture were found to provide protection against ethanolinduced toxicity comparable to the commercial drug treatment, according to the serum and histopathological analysis. It was also shown that co-treatment with herbal extract mixture and yogurt against a triple oral dose of ethanol (2 g/kg body weight, over one week) provided protection against ethanol toxicity. After the initial set of experiments, the herbal extract mixture and yogurt treatments were extended for three more weeks. When compared to the positive control, further treatment with both the herbal extract and yogurt significantly reduced liver injury and resulted in a lower grade of lipid deposition.

Exfoliative Dermatitis Caused by Herbal Extract of Saururus chinesis baill / 대한피부과학회지

Exfoliative dermatitis is caused by various etiologic factors including preceding dermatosis, drug-use, malignancy-related reasons and idiopathies. We present an exfoliative dermatitis caused by topical application of the herbal extract, Saururus chinesis baill. Saururus chinesis bail has been used traditionally as a folk remedy for various kinds of dermatoses in Korea. Therefore, the public should be warned of indiscreetly-used, natural, but not purified, herbal products.

The Effects of the Mixture of Herbal Extract on Developing Plaque and Gingivitis / 대한치주과학회지

This double-blind controlled clinical and microbiological study was carried out to determine the effects of mouthwash preparation containing the mixture of herbal extract on developing plaque and gingivitis in the experimental gingivitis model. Following a 2-week normalization period, 34 dental students were distributed randomly into 1 of 3 treatment groups. They rinsed, under supervision, two times daily for 3 weeks with either normal saline(CT), 0.1% chlorhexidine(CH), or the mixture of herbal extract (HT), but refrained from any oral hygiene measures. The Plaque Index(PlI), the Gingival Index(GI), and the amount of Gingival Crevicular Fluid(GCF) were measured at week 0, 1, 2, and 3 of the experimental period, while the assessment of total wet weight of plaque and the phase contrast microscopic examination of plaque were performed at the end of experimental period(3 weeks). Subjects using mouthrinse preparation containing the mixture of herbal extract demonstrated negligible, if any, changes in the accumulation and microbial composition of plaque compared to those using normal saline, while the reduction of gingival inflammation by this mixture was highly significant and comparable to that of chlorhexidine. The results of this study indicate that the preparation containing the mixture of herbal extract do not provide any antiplaque benefits but is very effective in inhibiting the development of and in reducing existing experimental gingivitis when used as mouthrinse. Further research is needed to determine whether a significant reduction of gingival inflammation without a concomitant decrease in plaque accumulation is of clinical importance.