Abstract
BACKGROUND: Natural phytochemicals such as Curcumin (CUR) and Triphala (TRI) are traditionally used in oral health care for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Despite the proven efficacy of chlorhexidine (CHX) as a chemical plaque control agent, its side effects necessitate exploring safer alternatives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of CUR and TRI were formulated at concentrations of 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%. Subgingival plaque samples (n = 20) were collected from patients with chronic generalized periodontitis. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested using the well diffusion method on blood agar plates. The diameter of the zone of inhibition (ZOI) was measured in millimeters (mm). Statistical analysis included intergroup comparisons at all concentrations using ANOVA and post hoc analysis. RESULTS: Alcoholic extracts consistently demonstrated higher antimicrobial activity compared to aqueous extracts at all concentrations. At 8%, the Alcoholic Extract of TRI showed a ZOI of 20.275 ± 2.0805 mm, while the alcoholic extract of CUR showed a ZOI of 20.600 ± 2.2337 mm. In contrast, the aqueous extract of TRI and CUR displayed ZOIs of 16.200 ± 2.5412 mm and 16.325 ± 2.5817 mm, respectively (P = 0.001). The antimicrobial efficacy of alcoholic extracts was significantly higher at all concentrations compared to their aqueous counterparts. CONCLUSION: Mouthrinses formulated with 8% alcoholic extracts of TRI and CUR exhibited superior antimicrobial efficacy compared to aqueous formulations. These natural formulations can be considered adjuncts to scaling and root planing (SRP) in periodontal therapy, potentially replacing CHX to reduce periodontopathogenic microflora without associated side effects.