Investigating the antimicrobial activity of neem and clove extract on biofilm-producing oral microflora

Abstract

Periodontal disease, a serious gum infection, is reported to be widespread in the Indian population. A heterogeneous microbial population, predominantly consisting of gram-negative anaerobes such as Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Porphyromonas intermedia, is associated with periodontal plaque formation. This condition may be worsened by the invasion of soft tissues by different species of Candida. Natural products like clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and Neem (Azadirachta indica) are very popular and easily available in the Indian climate and have great potential in preventing periodontitis. Azadirachta indica (Neem) exhibits versatile modes of action, including reported antimicrobial effects against several species associated with periodontal disease. Therefore, this study aims to detect the antimicrobial and antifungal effects of Neem and clove on oral biofilm both before and after biofilm formation. Results of the study revealed that both neem and clove crude extracts and their different dilution showed a significant reduction in the growth of fungal strains (Candida sp.) isolated from oral samples from people with poor hygiene and the biofilm produced by them.