Year : 2015

Volume : Volume 5

Issue : Issue 3

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Smitha CN
smitha_cn@yahoo.co.in

Abstract

Background:  Ayurveda is an integral part of traditional Indian system of medicine. WHO survey report suggests that above 80% population of the developing countries use traditional or local medicine, which is originally a part of ayurveda. Herbal medicines turn out to be “safe”, as they are without addition of any synthetic chemical. Mimusops elengi Linn is one such herb with its potential medicinal values since ancient times in India. Different parts of this plant such as leaves, twig, bark, stem, root, fruits, seeds, and flowers have been described in literature to be used in different concentrations or in combination with other herbal materials to improve oral health. The extract of bark has shown significant antioxidant potential and scavenging property. The ethanolic, methanolic, acetone, petroleum and water extract of bark showed antibacterial property against different strains of Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species. This plant needs to be further explored regarding its properties in periodontal field for refined drug formulations, which can be economical as well as beneficial for majority of population in developing countries.

Keywords: Mimusops Elengi Linn, Listerine, Periodontal disease.