Authors : Charles O. Esimone , Chukwuemeka S. Nworu , Ubong S. Ekong , Ifeanyichukwu R. Iroha and Chidimma S. Okolin
Abstract: Aqueous leaf extract of a tropical variety of Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae) was used to formulate five batches of herbal mouthwash. The antimicrobial potentials of these herbal mouthwash formulations in oral hygiene were assessed in vitro using a modification of the conventional methods for evaluating oral antiseptics. Formulations containing only Psidium guajava leaf extract and a standard mouthwash (Minty Brett)® served as controls. The mouthwash formulations were screened for antimicrobial activities against cultures of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albican. The extinction time of each formulation batch was determined against each test organism. The five batches containing Psidium guajava aqueous extract showed a high level of activity against the test organisms-E. coli and S. aureus comparable to the activity shown by the standard mouthwash, Minty Brett®. The batch containing only aqueous extract of Psidium guajava had the least extinction time of 15 and 20 min against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. The study encourages further stability and In vivo assessment to develop P. guajava leaf extract as an ingredient of commercial mouthwashes.
Charles O. Esimone , Chukwuemeka S. Nworu , Ubong S. Ekong , Ifeanyichukwu R. Iroha and Chidimma S. Okolin , 2007. A Case for the Use of Herbal Extracts in Oral Hygiene: The Efficacy of Psidium guajava-Based Mouthwash Formulations . Research Journal of Applied Sciences, 2: 1143-1147.