Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Effects of Herbal Formulation (Ficus benghalenis, Azadirachta indica and Menthapiperita) Based Mouthwash

Background: F.Benghalensis is known to have medicinal effect and is beneficial in treating mouth ulcers. A.Indicais rich in antioxidants and helps to boost the immune response in gum and tissues of the mouth. Neem offers a good remedy for curing mouth ulcers, tooth decay and acts as a pain reliever.M.Piperita contains antimicrobial and anti- inflammatory properties that promote oral hygiene. Aim: To prepare a mouth wash formulation containing F.benghalensis, A.indica, M.piperita. To determine the cytotoxic and antimicrobial effects of mouthwash formulation containing F.benghalensis, A.indica, M.piperita. Materials and Methods: In the present study, preparation of herbal mouthwash formulation was carried out initially and then the cytoxicity and antimicrobial activity of the mouthwash was assessed. The antimicrobial activity of the mouthwash formula- tion was carried out using agar well diffusion method. Different concentrations of mouthwash were tested against Streptococ- cus mutans, E.faecalis, lactobacillus and Candida albicans. The cytoxicity activity of the mouthwash was assessed using brine shrimp lethality assay method. Results: The cytotoxic activity was found to be better at low concentration. 8 nauplii survived at 5 ?L, 10 ?L, 20 ?L after 24 hours. The antimicrobial activity of the mouthwash formulation showed that the mouthwash formulation had the highest zone of inhibition seen in 100 ?L concentration on C.albicans almost similar to the control antibiotic in comparison to the oral pathogens. Discussion: Ficus benghalensis, Azadirachta indica & Mentha piperita extracts have many medicinal properties. Our study has evaluated the combination of these three extracts in a mouthwash formulation and has found positive results. Conclusion: The mouth wash formulation had better antimicrobial activity and exhibited less cytotoxicity at lower concentrations.