Preparation of Stevia and Ficus Benghalensis Hexane Extract and Its Based Mouthwash

Abstract

Stevia is a non-caloric sweetener mostly used for medicinal and dental purposes as it is found in mouth rinse and chewing gums due to its decreased cariogenic and demineralizing potential. Ficus benghalensis (banyan tree) was used in a previous study to prepare an ethanolic extract to analyze its antimicrobial efficacy among gram negative and gram positive bacterium and it was found to be a potent antimicrobial and antiseptic against the infection caused by gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Stevia and Ficus benghalensis plants were collected and hexane extract was prepared, using the prepared extract mouthwash with which cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity was checked. The antibacterial activity of the prepared mouthwash was confirmed by the zone of inhibition formed against Lactobacillus sp., Streptococcus mutans and cytotoxicity tested and the death and inhibition of growth of the organisms was observed only in higher concentrations of 40 and 80µl which were comparatively higher than citronella oil. Stevia and Ficus benghalensis hexane extract based mouthwash has potent antimicrobial and anti cariogenicity which can be patented and used for maintaining oral hygiene