Evaluation of tulasi extract mouthwash in the management of oral candidiasis

• Published in: Journal of Advanced Clinical and Research Insights 2018-03, Vol.5 (2), p.30-34
• Main Authors: Annigeri, Rajeshwari G., Mangala, G. K., Thimmasetty, J., Sharma, Neha, Kanjani, Varsha, Sravya, G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antimicrobial agents; Drugs; Ethanol; Multidrug resistant organisms; Oils & fats; Studies; Tongue
• ISSN: 2393-8625; 2393-8625
• DOI: 10.15713/ins.jcri.203

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of mouthwash containing tulasi (Ocimum sanctum) extract on oral candidiasis. Minimum inhibitory concentration of tulasi extract was determined, and Tulasi mouthwash was prepared using 4% of the extract. A total of 90 patients with clinically diagnosed oral candidiasis were randomly allocated to chlorhexidine and tulasi groups. Pre- and post-oral symptoms such as burning sensation and altered taste were recorded using a VAS scale of 0-10. Patients were asked to rinse 10 mL of mouthwash thrice daily for 2-3 min for 7 days after food. Smear from oral candidal lesions before and after the treatment was taken, and colony-forming units (CFUs) were calculated. The patients with oral candidiasis showed significant reduction in burning sensation and improvement in taste perception. CFU showed a significant reduction in both groups pre- and post-treatment. Tulasi showed statistically significant improvements over chlorhexidine. As tulasi was found to be more effective against oral candidiasis, it can be considered as viable substitute for synthetic drugs.