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Efficacy of garlic extract vs. chlorhexidine on oral microorganisms

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Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Efficacy of garlic extract and chlorhexidine mouthwash in reduction of oral salivary microorganisms, an in vitro study
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:

This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.

Author:

H. T. Ajay Rao, Sham S. Bhat, Sundeep Hegde, Vikram Jhamb


Ancient Science of Life:

(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)

Full text available for: Efficacy of garlic extract and chlorhexidine mouthwash in reduction of oral salivary microorganisms, an in vitro study

Year: 2014

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The study evaluates the antimicrobial efficacy of garlic extract and chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash against oral salivary microorganisms. Notably, oral diseases often arise from bacterial infections, and traditional medicine has long utilized plants for their antibacterial properties. Garlic, known scientifically as Allium sativum, contains various compounds that exhibit antimicrobial activity, particularly against oral pathogenic bacteria. This research aims to further explore these benefits by comparing the effectiveness of a 5% garlic extract to a commercially available 0.12% CHX mouthwash in reducing the microbial load in saliva.

Comparison of Antimicrobial Efficacy

The methodology involved obtaining salivary samples from participants and preparing both garlic extract and CHX solutions to test their antimicrobial effects. The study found that the mean colony count of salivary microorganisms was significantly lower in the CHX group, with a mean of only 27 colonies compared to 469 in the garlic extract group. Despite CHX showing superior efficacy, the garlic extract still demonstrated a notable reduction in microbial counts, indicating its potential use as a lower-risk alternative for oral hygiene. This finding is particularly relevant considering CHX can lead to unwanted side effects such as dental staining.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both garlic extract and CHX mouthwash effectively reduced salivary microbial populations, chlorhexidine mouthwash exhibited a greater impact in this in vitro study. Garlic extract presents a promising alternative, exhibiting antimicrobial properties without the adverse effects associated with CHX, highlighting its potential role in oral health care. Further clinical research is needed to standardize and optimize garlic-containing mouthwashes and toothpastes, potentially offering new approaches to the prevention of oral microbial diseases.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What was the objective of the study on garlic extract?

The study aimed to assess and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of garlic extract and chlorhexidine mouthwash against oral salivary microorganisms, providing insights into potential alternatives for oral hygiene.

How were saliva samples collected for the study?

Thirty-six saliva samples were collected from participants in dry plastic vials and then processed to isolate salivary microorganisms for evaluation of the antimicrobial effects.

What were the main findings regarding antimicrobial efficacy?

Results showed that chlorhexidine mouthwash demonstrated the highest antimicrobial efficacy, significantly reducing salivary microbial counts compared to garlic extract, which also showed effectiveness but was lower in comparison.

What are the advantages of using garlic extract over CHX?

Garlic extract offers antimicrobial benefits without causing dental staining or cytotoxic effects associated with chlorhexidine, making it a promising alternative for maintaining oral hygiene.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Efficacy of garlic extract vs. chlorhexidine on oral microorganisms�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Garlic:
Garlic, or Allium sativum, is a medicinal plant known for its numerous health benefits, including its antimicrobial properties. It contains bioactive compounds that contribute to its efficacy against various bacteria, particularly in oral health, making it a focus of research in alternative medicine and disease prevention.

2) Activity:
Activity refers to the effectiveness of a substance in producing a desired effect, such as antimicrobial action against bacteria. In the context of garlic, its biological activity is explored for various health benefits, including reducing oral microbial populations and supporting overall wellness.

3) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease. Traditional and modern medicine both utilize natural compounds, like garlic, to enhance health outcomes. The exploration of garlic's medicinal properties highlights the importance of integrating herbal remedies into contemporary therapeutic practices.

4) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotics are drugs used to treat bacterial infections by killing or inhibiting bacterial growth. While antibiotics have revolutionized medicine, garlic presents a natural alternative that may offer similar benefits, particularly in reducing antibiotic resistance and addressing oral microbial diseases without the adverse effects of conventional antibiotics.

5) Channel:
In the context of Ayurveda, 'channel' refers to the body's pathways, or srotas, that facilitate the flow of bodily substances. The cleansing of these channels is essential for health, and garlic is thought to support this process, enhancing the body's self-healing capabilities.

6) Rasona:
Rasona is the Ayurvedic name for garlic, highlighting its cultural significance in traditional Indian medicine. It is recognized for its numerous therapeutic effects, promoting health and wellness. Rasona embodies the traditional use of garlic as a potent remedy for various ailments across centuries.

7) Katu:
ṭu refers to the pungent flavor associated with certain substances, including garlic. This characteristic is significant in Ayurveda, where taste influences therapeutic properties. It is believed that the kaṭu rasa, or taste, of garlic contributes to its health benefits and its effectiveness in treating ailments.

8) Allium sativum:
Allium sativum is the scientific name for garlic, a bulbous plant known for both culinary and medicinal uses. Its phytochemical composition, particularly allicin, offers various health benefits, including antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it a focus of research in various fields of health and natural therapies.

9) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are natural compounds found in plants that contribute to their color, flavor, and disease resistance. Garlic contains many phytochemicals with potential health benefits, which are studied for their roles in reducing risks of chronic diseases and enhancing overall health, particularly in the context of oral hygiene.

10) Tuberculosis:
Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs. Garlic has shown promise in preliminary studies for its potential effects against TB, providing an avenue for exploring natural compounds as adjuncts to traditional antimicrobial therapies in treating this disease.

11) Discussion:
Discussion in academic and scientific literature typically analyzes research findings, offering interpretations, implications, and areas for further study. The discussion section of studies on garlic extracts often addresses the efficacy of natural treatments, comparing them with established pharmaceuticals while suggesting future research directions.

12) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are a class of plant metabolites known for their antioxidant properties and health benefits. Found in garlic and many other plants, flavonoids contribute to the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects attributed to garlic, making it an important subject of study in nutritional science and pharmacology.

13) Picchila:
Picchila is a traditional Ayurvedic term describing the quality of being slimy or viscous, which can apply to certain medicinal herbs like garlic. This characteristic may have implications for its digestive benefits and therapeutic properties, influencing how it is utilized in conjunction with other treatments.

14) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine originating in India, emphasizing balance in bodily systems and understanding health through natural remedies. Garlic plays a significant role in Ayurvedic practices, where it is valued for its health-promoting effects and its incorporation into various treatments.

15) Madhura:
Madhura refers to the sweet taste found in some foods, including certain preparations of garlic. Taste is an important aspect of Ayurveda, contributing to the understanding of how different flavors affect health and the therapeutic properties of food and herbs in overall wellness.

16) Snigdha:
Snigdha is an Ayurvedic term denoting a quality described as unctuous or oily. This property often refers to substances that nourish and hydrate tissues, and garlic, due to its diverse health benefits, may be considered in formulations that aim to enhance nourishment and balance within the body.

17) Pungent:
Pungent describes a strong, sharp taste or smell, characteristic of garlic. This quality is significant in culinary and medicinal contexts, as it is associated with garlic's effectiveness in combating pathogens and enhancing circulation, thus providing potential health benefits within Ayurvedic and modern health practices.

18) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation. The exploration of garlic's properties reflects the intersection of traditional knowledge and scientific inquiry, driving research into its potential benefits, mechanisms of action, and applications in health and disease management.

19) Caraka:
Caraka was a prominent ancient Indian physician and a key figure in Ayurveda, known for compiling significant medical texts. His works emphasize holistic approaches to health, including the use of natural substances like garlic for treatment, recognizing the value of integrating traditional wisdom with healing practices.

20) Vipaka:
վ첹 is an Ayurvedic concept describing the post-digestive effect of food and herbs on the body. Understanding vipāka helps practitioners determine the long-term impacts of substances like garlic on health, shaping formulations and dietary choices to enhance therapeutic efficacy and overall well-being.

21) Srotas (Shrotas):
Srotas refers to the channels within the body according to Ayurveda, vital for transporting nutrients and waste. The health of these channels is linked to overall wellness, and substances like garlic are believed to support their cleansing and functionality, contributing to the body's self-regulation.

22) Lavana:
ṇa refers to salty taste and is one of the six basic tastes in Ayurveda. Saltiness is associated with specific health benefits, and understanding how tastes interact in dietary choices plays a role in promoting balance and optimal health through the use of various foods and herbs.

23) Tikshna (Tiksna):
īṣṇ is an Ayurvedic term indicating a sharp or penetrating quality. Garlic, with its tīkṣṇa properties, is thought to enhance digestion and metabolism, making it a valuable component in herbal remedies aimed at cleansing and stimulating the body's functions for improved health outcomes.

24) Kashaya (Kasaya):
ṣҲ refers to the astringent taste in Ayurveda, which is often linked to principles of drying and toning. This quality can have therapeutic applications, especially in addressing conditions related to excess moisture or inflammation, and garlic may contribute synergistically within such contexts.

25) Virya:
īⲹ in Ayurveda refers to the potency or strength of a substance in promoting health. Garlic's vīrya emphasizes its effectiveness as a medicinal herb, underscoring its role in enhancing health outcomes, preventing disease, and assisting in maintaining bodily balance and resilience.

26) Guru:
Guru, as an Ayurvedic term, denotes heaviness or density, which can influence how substances affect digestion and metabolism. Understanding the guru quality of various foods, including garlic, aids practitioners in making informed dietary and therapeutic choices for personalized health approaches.

27) Raja:
is a term often associated with kingship or leadership, but in Ayurvedic contexts, it may refer to superior qualities or characteristics of certain herbs and substances. Garlic is recognized for its noble attributes, lending itself to formulations aimed at improving health and status.

28) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa denotes taste, a fundamental concept in Ayurveda influencing health and therapeutic action. The rasa of garlic contributes to its efficacy and the flavor profiles that make it valuable in culinary practices and herbal remedies, signaling its health benefits and holistic properties.

29) Sara (Shara):
Sara is a term that indicates mobility or fluidity within Ayurvedic contexts. It may relate to how substances interact within the body, promoting detoxification and transport mechanisms. Garlic is utilized for its potential to support fluid channels, enhancing overall bodily function and health.

30) Guna:
ҳṇa refers to the inherent qualities or attributes of substances. Understanding the guṇa of garlic, like its antimicrobial and health-promoting properties, aids practitioners in effectively categorizing and applying herbal remedies, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to wellness and disease prevention.

31) Hand:
Hand may refer to manual expression or traditional practices in herbal medicine. In various cultures, including Ayurveda, the hand is often associated with preparing natural remedies from plants like garlic, emphasizing the importance of human interaction with nature in health and healing.

32) Post:
Post refers to a position in time after an event. In medical literature, discussions of post-treatment dynamics, especially in relation to the effects of garlic or other remedies, are critical for understanding long-term impacts on health and the persistence of therapeutic benefits.

33) Drug:
Drugs are substances used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease. Garlic represents a natural 'drug' with potent health effects, being a centerpiece in discussions about phytotherapy, which advocates the use of plant-based remedies as alternatives or supplements to conventional pharmaceuticals.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Efficacy of garlic extract vs. chlorhexidine on oral microorganisms�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Ayurveda, Clinical investigation, Allicin, Natural phytochemicals, In vitro study, Chlorhexidine mouthwash, Antimicrobial effect, Periodontal pathogens, Garlic extract, Antibiotic resistant organisms, Genotoxic effect, Oral microbiota, Trypticase Soy Agar, Saliva sample collection, Oral infection.

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