DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF A POLYHERBAL MOUTHWASH FOR ENHANCED ORAL HYGIENE AND ANTIMICROBIAL DEFENSE

Objective: Oral diseases have a prevalence of 3.5 billion people worldwide and a few of them use synthetic mouthwashes which lead to side effects. The purpose of this research was to design and test a polyherbal mouthwash containing Neem, Tulsi, Turmeric, Peppermint, Lemongrass, and Clove extracts for use as a natural substitute for chlorhexidine-based products. Methods: The plant materials were extracted by cold maceration using ethanol. Three compositions (F1-F3) were developed with different concentrations of the ingredients. Phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, phenols, and saponins. Quantitative measurement of total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) was also carried out. The formulations were tested for organoleptic properties, pH, viscosity, surface tension, and foaming ability. The antimicrobial activity was assessed against Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Enterococcus faecalis by broth microdilution method. Stability testing was carried out at 25±2°C for 30 days. Results: F3 had the greatest antimicrobial activity with minimum inhibitory concentration values that were 50–62.5% lower than F1. Clove and turmeric gave the highest TPC (58.6±2.9 and 51.3±2.6 mg gallic acid equivalents/mL) and TFC (48.9±2.4 and 45.6±2.3 mg QE/mL). The formulations kept their pH 6.4–6.7, had good viscosity (2.10–2.14 cP), and were both physically and chemically stable for 30 days. Conclusion: The polyherbal mouthwash has the same antimicrobial efficacy as chlorhexidine, but with better safety and patient compliance, thus it can be a natural and eco-friendly oral hygiene and disease prevention solution.