Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of Annona muricata L. (Annonaceae) formulated as an herbal toothpaste

Abstract

Purpose: The major drawback with many orthodox conventional types of toothpaste is their side effects and sometimes resistance  associated with their use. It is on this basis that we investigated the antiinflammatory and antimicrobial activities of the leaves of Annona  muricata L. (Annonaceae) formulated as herbal toothpaste.

Methods: Phytochemical and chromatographic screenings were investigated using standard procedures. Anti-inflammatory evaluation  was carried out using egg albumin. The antimicrobial evaluation of extract of A. muricata and formulated herbal toothpaste was by agar  well diffusion method against selected microorganisms using ciprofloxacin and nystatin as positive controls. The sensory and physicochemical properties of the formulated herbal toothpaste were evaluated.

Results: Phytochemical screening of A. muricata revealed the presence of tannins, cardiac glycosides and alkaloids. The anti-inflammatory activity was dose dependent. There was  inhibition of activity by the crude extract and formulated herbal toothpaste containing A. muricata against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus  aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. The A. muricata formulated herbal toothpaste was sweet and pleasantly smelling with good  foaming ability and had a pH range of 7.24-7.92.

Conclusion: A. muricata possess chemical constituents which could be responsible for  the observed anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. These constituents when present in the formulation of toothpastes could  result in more therapeutic effectiveness and reduction in resistance.