Comparative evaluation of novel herbal mouthwash with 12.5% xylitol mouthwash and 0.7 M saline mouthwash on plaque control: An interventional study

Background and Aim: Among the wide array of herbal plants possessing medicinal values, Andrographis paniculata (Nilavembu) stands out as a time-tested premiere medicinal herb. A. paniculata (Nilavembu) extracts exhibited varying degrees of inhibitory activity against the growth of all the microorganisms. Hence, this research was made to assess and compare the effect of Nilavembu extract (A. paniculata) with 12.5% xylitol mouthwash and control group (0.7 M saline mouthwash) on dental plaque and gingival inflammation. Materials and Methods: A double-blinded parallel-arm randomized clinical trial was done among 40 participants aged 20–30 years. Participants were randomly allotted into four groups: Group 1 - Nilavembu extract with 0.7 M saline wash; Group 2 - Nilavembu extract with 12.5% xylitol mouthwash; Group 3-0.7 M saline mouthwash; and Group 4-12.5% xylitol mouthwash. The plaque and gingival status were assessed using oral hygiene simplified index and Loe and Silness index at baseline and end of the study (7th day). Statistical analysis was carried out to compare the effect of all four treatments groups using the Kruskal–Wallis test, Wilcoxon sign rank test, and post hoc test; P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among four groups, Group 2 showed a greater mean reduction followed by Group 1 in oral hygiene index score and gingival score. There was a statistically significant difference between the scores of the four groups. Conclusion: It can be concluded that A. paniculata (Nilavembu extract) could serve as a potential herbal alternative in the therapeutic management of dental plaque and gingivitis.