Comparative Evaluation of Anti-Microbial Efficacy of Manuka Honey and Pomegranate Mouthwash with Chlorhexidine Mouthwash on P. Gingivalis, T. Forsythia, P. Intermedia and Aggregatibacter Actinomycetemcomitans Periodontal Pathogens: An In-Vitro Study

Abstract

Aim: To comparatively evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of manuka honey and pomegranate mouth wash on gram negative periodontal pathogens of red, orange and green complex (Porphyromonas gingivalis {P.G.}, Prevotella intermedia {P.I.}, Forshythus nucleatum {F.N.}, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans {A.A.}) in in-vitro conditions. Materials and methods: Nutrient agar plates were inoculated by rubbing sterile cotton swabs dipped into bacterial suspensions of P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, F. nucleatum, A. actinomycetemcomitans (overnight cultures grown at 37°C on nutrient agar) over the entire surface of the plate. After inoculation, 10 mm diameter five wells were cut into the surface of the agar using a sterile cork borer for each sample. Honey, pomegranate mouthwash, and chlorhexidine were added into wells in four different plates containing above mentioned four different bacterias. Plates were then incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. The diameters of zones of inhibition were measured using a Vernier calipers on all the plates. The mean score of zones of inhibition was calculated. Similar procedure for all different concentration was performed. Results: 0.2% chlorhexidine had edge over the manuka honey and pomegranate mouthwash in inhibiting the growth of micro-organisms. A. actinomycetemcomitans showed the greatest zone of inhibition by manuka honey of 18 mm, pomegranate mouthwash 19 mm as compared to chlorhexidine getting 20 mm. Both were most effective against A.A. followed by F. nucleatum, P. gingivalis, P. intermedia as compared with 0.2 % chlorhexidine. Conclusion: Manuka honey and pomegranate mouthwash can create new horizons in the field of chemical agents that can be used as an adjunct to mechanical periodontal therapy can be explored and compared with 0.2% chlorhexidine.