OMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF ANTI-MICROBIAL EFFICACY OF CURCUMA ORAL GEL AND CHLORHEXIDINE GEL ON THE PERIODONTAL PATHOGENS: AN IN-VITRO STUDY

Abstract

Aim: To comparatively evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of 1% Curcuma Oral Gel with 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate gel on gram negative periodontal pathogens: Porphyromonas Gingivalis (P. Gingivalis), Prevotella Intermedia (P. Intermedia), Fusobacterium Nucleatum (F. Nucleatum) and Aggregatibacter Actinomycetemcomitans (A. Actinomycetemcomitans) in in-vitro conditions. Materials and Method: Nutrient agar plates were inoculated by rubbing sterile cotton swabs dipped into bacterial suspensions of P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, F. nucleatum and A. actinomycetemcomitans over the entire surface of the plate. Three such sets were prepared. After inoculation, 10 mm diameter five wells were cut into the surface of each agar plate. 1% Curcuma Oral gel and 2% Chlorhexidine gel were added into wells in 4 different plates containing above mentioned 4 different bacteria and distilled water was used. Plates were incubated and the diameter of zone of inhibition was measured. The mean score of zones of inhibition were calculated and statistical analysis was done. Results: 2% Chlorhexidine gel had edge over 1% Curcuma gel in inhibiting the growth of micro-organisms. 1% Curcuma gel was more effective against P. intermedia compared to P. gingivalis, F.nucleatum and A. actinomycetemcomitans. 2% Chlorhexidine gel was more effective against A. actinomycetemcomitans and F.nucleatum compared to P. gingivalis and P. intermedia. Conclusion: 1% Curcuma oral gel can create a new horizon in the field of chemical agents that can be used as an adjunct to mechanical periodontal therapy and can serve as a cheaper alternative compared to 2% Chlorhexidine gel.