Evaluation of anti-infective potential of methanol extract of <i>Moringa oleifera</i> root Lam (moringaceae)formulated as mouthwash

Abstract

A mouthwash has been defined as a concentrated aqueous solution of one or more active ingredients with pharmaceutical excipients and usually possess deodorant, antiseptic and astringent properties. They are, meant for oral hygiene and for treating mouth infections and cleaning the buccal cavity. Mouthwash thus refers to a liquid product that is made to freshen breath but not intended to be swallowed, a typical example of liquid preparation is the mouthwash of Hydrogen peroxide. It is similar to gargles and is used for oral hygiene and to treat infections of the mouth. Pharmacogenetic studies were performed on the root of Moringa oleifera Lam. The phytochemical constituents were identified and the screening revealed the presence of cardiac glycoside, alkaloids and saponins. Antimicrobial activity of Moringa oleifera root extract and its mouthwash formulations (MOR-A, MOR-B, MOR-C, MOR-D, and MOR-E) have been studied comparatively with a commercial mouthwash-Hydrogen Peroxide. The formulated mouthwash of Moringa oleifera root methanol extract at minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 5.62 mg/mL - 7.08 mg/mL exhibited similar antimicrobial activity to that of commercial product (Hydrogen Peroxide). The order of the susceptibility of the microorganisms to the formulated mouthwash was: Pseudomonas aeruginosa > Candida albicans > Staphylococcus aureus. In the course of formulating the mouthwash, the activity of the extract was not negatively affected. Stability analysis showed that, there was no change in color, odor, taste and appearance in the formulated mouthwash after two months of storage. This justifies the use of Moringa oleifera root as chewing stick to promote the treatment of dental caries in traditional medicine.