Effect of Murraya koenigii Aqueous Extract as Mouthrinse on Salivary pH, Tongue pH and Glucosyl Transferase Enzyme Inhibition: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this clinical trial was to comparatively evaluate the salivary pH, tongue pH and glucosyl transferase enzyme inhibition potential in patients with high caries index following the use of Murraya koenigii (MK) aqueous extract and 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) as mouthwash.

Methods: MK mouthwash was prepared by cold maceration technique and its minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) against Streptococcus mutans (S mutans) were determined. 36 human participants were randomized to CHX, MK and placebo groups (n=12). Assessment of pre- and post-rinse salivary pH and tongue pH was done along with percentage inhibition of glucosyltransferase enzyme (Gtf). Salivary pH, tongue pH and Gtf inhibition were measured using pH meter, pH indicator strips and colorimetry respectively.

Results: Results showed that the MIC and MBC of MK extract were 1000 µg/mL and 5000 µg/mL respectively. The post-rinse salivary and tongue pH values were significantly higher than placebo group and their respective pre-rinse values in CHX and MK groups (p<0.05). No significant difference existed in the post-rinse salivary pH between both the groups at 10 min (p=0.05) and 30 min (p=0.63). Gtf inhibition of CHX and MK were 81% and 64% respectively (p<0.05).

Conclusion: It could be concluded that MK possessed adequate requirements of a potential mouthwash by favorably altering the tongue pH and salivary pH, along with effective Gtf enzyme inhibition in high caries risk patients.