Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Mouthwash for Halitosis using Piper Betle and Centella Asiatica

Herbal mouthwashes represent therapeutic aqueous solutions prepared from natural plant extracts that offer antimicrobial benefits without the adverse effects associated with synthetic formulations. The present study was designed to formulate and evaluate a herbal mouthwash incorporating Piper betle and Centella asiatica extracts for the management of halitosis. Fresh leaves of Piper betle and Centella asiatica were collected from local markets in Kanjirappally during January 2025, shade-dried, powdered, and subjected to maceration using ethanol as the solvent at Hindustan College of Pharmacy, Chenappady. The ethanolic extracts were incorporated into three different formulations (F1, F2, and F3) containing varying concentrations of the active extracts (5ml, 10ml, and 15ml respectively), along with peppermint oil, sodium lauryl sulphate, glycerol, saccharin, and sodium benzoate. The prepared formulations were evaluated for physical characteristics, pH, viscosity, stability, foamability, and homogeneity. Results indicated that formulation F1 demonstrated optimal characteristics including a pH of 5.7 (compatible with oral cavity), pleasant odour, clear homogeneous appearance, viscosity of 1.32 cP ensuring easy rinsing, superior foam height of 2.9 cm, and excellent stability without sedimentation. In contrast, formulations F2 and F3 exhibited sedimentation, stronger odours, and higher viscosities that may compromise patient compliance. The phytoconstituents present in Piper betle (chavicol, hydroxychavicol, eugenol) and Centella asiatica (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid) contributed to the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of the formulation. The study concludes that the herbal mouthwash containing Piper betle and Centella asiatica extracts, particularly formulation F1, offers a safe, effective, and natural alternative to synthetic mouthwashes for preventing and managing halitosis.