An In-Vitro Evaluation of the Efficacy of the Essential Oils from Leptospermum Scoparium and Melaleuca Alternifolia as an Antimicrobial Agent against P.Gingivalis
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Abstract
Oral hygiene is essential to prevent the development of periodontal disease. In this contemporary period, there are concerns evolving regarding the use of antibacterial agents due to increasing resistance. The current study aimed to determine the antimicrobial efficacy of the essential oils - Manuka oil and Tea tree oil and Listerine against the periopathogen :P.gingivalis .
MATERIALS AND METHODS:Serial dilution method was carried out to analyze the MIC of the essential oils of Manuka and Tea tree oil at 10 different concentrations (100μg/ml, 50 μg/ml, 25 μg/ml, 12.5 μg/ml, 6.25 μg/ml, 3.12 μg/ml, 1.6 μg/ml, 0.8μg/ml, 0.4μg/ml, 0.2μg/ml) for P.gingivalis (ATCC 33277). The agar disk diffusion test for the same pathogen was carried out at various concentrations (100μg, 50μg, 25μg, 12.5 μg, 6.25 μg) of the above mentioned agents and the measurement of zone of inhibition was carried out in millimeters. The same procedure was repeated for the essential oil based mouthwash listerine.
RESULTS:The minimum inhibitory concentration values of Tea tree oil and Manuka oil against P.gingivalis was 0.8μg/ml and Listerine mouthwash was 1.6 μg/ml.Tea tree oil showed the strongest inhibitory activity producing inhibition zones of 42mm, 28mm, 21mm, 13mm, 5mm at the concentration of 100μg, 50μg, 25μg, 12.5 μg, 6.25 μg respectively. On the other hand, Manuka oil produced inhibition zones of 37mm, 25mm, 18mm, 10mm at the concentration of 100μg, 50μg, 25μg, 12.5 μg respectively and showed. The Listerine mouthwash, used as a control showed inhibition zones of 22mm, 13mm, 6mm at the concentration of 100μg, 50μg, 25μg respectively , no inhibitory effect was observed at the concentrations lower than the above mentioned, and the MIC value was 1.6μg/ml.
CONCLUSION:Both essential oils tested were effective against P.gingivalis. Following additional research on their clinical safety, they hold promising results in the future as topical agents to prevent and treat periodontal disease.