Ocimum Sanctum: A Herbal Agent for Revivification of Periodontal Health

Abstract

The increasing awareness of keeping oral hygiene intact and turning minds into natural therapeutic agents has become a point of concern. India, the diversified homeland to sanative herbs which can supplant harmful and delayed consequence-causing chemical substances, is a boon to the nation. Among all the phytotherapeutic essentials, lies a herb known for being all in one, pharmacological miracle - Ocimum sanctum (or commonly referred to as Tulsi). Tulsi has been applied in various arenas of medicine, especially oral medicine. The plant has immense healing potential. The chemicals extracted from the plant parts of Tulsi are emersed with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-ulcerative. These properties are of significant therapeutic importance and are essential for the maintenance of oral hygiene. Apart from its favourable properties, the therapeutic agent is readily available and easy to use. Tulsi can be offered as mouthwashes, gels, irrigating agent, regenerative procedures and nanoparticles. With no harmful effects of producing stains, microbial resistance and similar efficacy to chemical agents, it can be used as an adjunctive treatment. It has shown promising outcomes in preventing tooth decay, pain, gingivitis, halitosis and periodontitis. Building up a new horizon and centre of research, Tulsi and its extravagant benefits are yet to be explored further.