RESUMO
Background and Objectives: This in vitro study was designed to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial effects of extracts of Neem sticks, Tulsi leaves and Triphala against Streptococcus Mutans and Lactobacillus Acidophilus.Materials and Methods: Sterile solutions of 10% & 25% concentrations were prepared from Neem, Tulsi and Triphala extracts. After growing on culture plates micro-organisms were transferred to nutrient agar; antimicrobial activity of the extracts was tested after 48 h. Results: Mean zones of inhibition against Streptococcus Mutans&Lactobacillus Acidophilus after 24hrs for 10% neem extract is 0.7 & 0.2mm and for 25% neem extract is 1.1 & 0.9 mm respectively. For 10% tulsi extract is 0.3 & 0.2mm and for 25% tulsi extract is 0.5 & 0.6 mm respectively. And for 10% triphala extract is 0.0 & 0.0mm and for 25% triphala extract is 0.1 & 0.0 mm respectively. Interpretation and conclusion: Extracts of neem and tulsi demonstrated an antimicrobial activity but triphla has been failed to show antimicrobial activity against S Mutans and L Acidophilus. This in vitro evaluation is an attempt to encourage further studies comparing the antimicrobial effects of different ayurvedic extracts on prevalence of caries.