Abstract
BACKGROUND: Terminalia chebula is one of the traditional medicines used in the treatment of many diseases and possesses a wide variety of therapeutic activities. The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial properties of Terminalia chebula against oral pathogens related to caries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, Antimicrobial activity was tested using Kirby bouer method by streaking. Total phenol and total flavonoid content were analysed. Twenty high caries risk patients were subjected to rinse aqueous extract of Terminalia chebula. Salivary samples were collected for pH and microbial screening. Oral pathogens were identified by qualitative biochemical analysis. RESULTS: The total phenol content of extract was found to be 21.33 ±1.633 (mean ± SD) and total flavonoids was found to be 23.17 ± 2.317 (mean ± SD). There was a gradual increase in pH till 45mts post-rinse when compared to pre-rinse was observed. Antimicrobial effect of Terminalia Chebula aganist microbes showed that there was a significant reduction between the pre-rinse and post-rinse samples. CONCLUSION: These promising findings suggested the presence of antimicrobial activity of Terminalia Chebula against oral pathogens and proven to be an effective alternate antimicrobial agent.