Hair dye poisoning in Bundelkhand region (prospective analysis of hair dye poisoning cases presented in Department of Medicine, MLB Medical College, Jhansi).

AIMS OF STUDY: Hair dye (Paraphenylene di-amine, PPD) poisoning has high morbidity and mortality and its incidence has increased dramatically in the past 4 years. A prospective study was planned to assess the clinical profile and outcome with different treatment approaches. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The material comprised of 1020 cases admitted in Medicine Department of MLB Medical College, Jhansi, U.P. from July 2004 to March 2009. Out of 1020 cases 697 cases were of stone hair dye poisoning and 323 cases were of other branded hair dyes (powdered form containing less amount of Paraphenylene diamine). Diagnosis was made solely on the basis of the history given by cases/attendant and symptoms of neck swelling, black coloured urine and muscular pain. The cases were thoroughly studied for different complications (renal, hepatic and cardiac etc) and were treated accordingly. RESULTS: Out of 1020 cases studied, majority were females in the age group of 15-45 yrs (n=734) while the rest were males. A total of 244 (23.92%) cases expired during treatment. Neck swelling, respiratory distress and whole body muscular pain were most common symptoms at presentation, oliguria, chest pain, palpitation, presyncope/syncope, pain in abdomen, nausea with vomiting and dysphagia were other common symptoms. CONCLUSION: Paraphenylene diamine is highly toxic. Cases who consumed up to 10 gm of PPD usually survived if they presented to hospital within 4 hour of dye ingestion. Severe edema of face, neck and floor of mouth, renal failure and myocarditis were poor prognostic factors. No deaths occurred in cases of Branded Hair dye ingestion.

Bacterial Viability within Dental Calculus: An Untrodden, Inquisitive Clinico-Patho- Microbiological Research.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic inflammatory periodontal diseases i.e. gingivitis and periodontitis are one of the most common afflictions faced by human beings. Dental plaque, which is a pool of pathogenic microorganisms, remains to be current mainstay in etiopathogenesis. Dental calculus, which is a mineralized product of this plaque remains ignored and is considered merely as an ash heap of minor significance. However, the intriguing array in disease etiopathogenesis bulldozed researchers to suspect the role of calculus in disease chrysalis but still the viability of bacteria inside calculus and thus its pathogenicity remains an intricacy; the answer to which lies in the Pandora's Box. AIM: The present study was undertaken to investigate the viability of bacteria within dental calculus along with their identification. Also, to classify dental calculus on the basis of mineralization and to observe the variation of viable microflora found in dental calculus with the extent of mineralization and disease severity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 samples were obtained, by harvesting two samples of supragingival calculus from each patient having chronic inflammatory periodontal disease. These samples were divided into two groups (Group A and Group B). Samples of Group A were kept non-irradiated and samples of Group B were exposed to UV radiation. The samples were categorized into less, moderately and highly mineralized according to the force required for crushing them. All the crushed calculus samples were then divided into three parts. These were used for dark-field microscopy, gram staining and bacterial cultures. Bacterial identification of the cultures obtained was also carried out by performing various biochemical assays. RESULTS: The present study revealed the presence of motile spirochaetes within the samples under dark-field microscope. Gram staining revealed presence of numerous gram positive cocci and gram negative bacilli. Bacterial cultures showed growth of variety of aerobic and capnophilic microorganisms. CONCLUSION: The present study concludes the presence of viable aerobic and capnophilic bacteria inside dental calculus which may reside within the lacunae and channels in the calculus.

Estradiol enhances liposome-mediated uptake, preferential nuclear accumulation and functional expression of exogenous genes in MDA-MB231 breast tumor cells.

Exposure of p53 mutated estrogen-receptor-negative MDA-MB231 human breast tumor cells to a pharmacological concentration of estradiol enhances liposome-mediated uptake and expression of SV-40 luciferase. Unexpectedly, the effect of estradiol on SV-40 expression is evident even when estradiol exposure occurs after the initial uptake phase; this suggests that estradiol may influence gene expression by mechanisms other than increasing gene uptake alone, such as altering the intracellular distribution of the gene. We determined that while uptake of SV-40 luciferase is increased only three-fold by estradiol, there is a 30-fold increase in the nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio of the gene. In order to demonstrate that the influence of estradiol on gene uptake and expression is translated into a functional response, the effects of estradiol on the function of an exogenous gene, in this case the apoptotic function of p53, were assessed in the p53 mutated MDA-MB231 breast tumor cell. While liposome-mediated delivery of CMV-p53 alone was ineffective in promoting cell death, incubation with estradiol and the liposomal p53 complex resulted in a two-fold increase in cell killing over that observed in cells transfected with the corresponding mock vector (empty vector for p53). Evidence that cell killing was occurring through apoptosis included apoptotic body formation, cell shrinkage and an increase in fluorescence after terminal transferase end-labeling. The capacity of estradiol to promote apoptosis in MDA-MB231 cells by a p53-liposome complex is likely to be related to the preferential redistribution of the gene from the cytoplasm to the nucleus which could occur during both the uptake and post-uptake phases. Consequently, although direct effects on gene expression, and the stability of message and protein cannot be ruled out, the predominant effect of estradiol in this experimental system appears to be to influence DNA translocation from the cytoplasm to the cell nucleus.

Estradiol enhances gene delivery to human breast tumor cells.

The influence of estradiol on the delivery of plasmid DNA to estrogen receptor positive MCF-7 human breast cancer cells was studied by the use of a reporter assay and by histochemical staining. Continuous exposure to estradiol enhanced the lipofectamine-mediated delivery of both pSV40-luciferase and pCMV beta-galactosidase in a concentration-dependent manner. Estradiol increased both the amount of pCMV beta-galactosidase per cell and the total fraction of cells competent to receive the transgene. The efficiency of transgene delivery to MCF-7 cells was further improved by repeating the transfection procedure in the presence of estradiol. Although overall gene uptake was reduced in control cells when studies were performed at room temperature (as opposed to 37 degrees C), potentiation of gene uptake by estradiol was maintained. At a concentration of 100 microM, estradiol also enhanced delivery of the transgene to estrogen receptor negative MDA-MB-231 breast tumor cells, indicating that the potentiating effects of estradiol are not mediated through the estrogen receptor. These studies are the first to raise the possibility that gene delivery to breast tumor cells can be improved by estradiol in single- or repeated-treatment regimens.

Use of traditional Indian plants in the inhibition of caries-causing bacteria--Streptococcus mutans.

The aim of the study was to comparatively evaluate the antibacterial activity of six Indian plant extracts and 0.2% chlorhexidine against clinical strains of Streptococcus mutans, which were isolated from the plaque samples of 45 pediatric patients. Six plant extracts were prepared in three different forms, namely aqueous extracts, organic solvent-based extracts and crude (raw) extracts. The antimicrobial sensitivity testing was done by agar well diffusion method. Antimicrobial activity of the extracts was determined by measuring the mean zones of inhibition (mm) produced against the bacterial isolates. Results showed that crude garlic extract exhibited greater antibacterial activity than chlorhexidine. Aqueous extract of amla and organic solvent-based extract of ginger showed the maximum antibacterial activity against S. mutans, whereas aqueous extract of tulsi and organic solvent based extract of amla showed the minimum antibacterial activity. This study suggests that plant extracts like garlic in crude form, amla as aqueous infusion and ginger as alcoholic tincture have potential for the control of S. mutans. These extracts can be used as an alternative remedy for dental caries prevention or in the form of mouthwash, which is safe and economical.

Development of piezoelectric crystal based microgravimetric immunoassay for determination of insulin concentration.

A microgravimetric, piezoelectric crystal based immunoassay for the quantification of insulin concentration is described. The method utilizes a modified piezoelectric crystal device having an antibody specific to insulin bound to its surface. The antibody to insulin was immobilized on the surface of crystal electrode by using either 3-aminopropyltriethoxy silane (3-APTES), polyethyleneimine (PEI) or covalently coupled protein A-gold immobilization method. Coating an electrode with a cross linked protein A-antibody complex gave better results in terms of sensitivity and stability. Using the system described, the insulin concentration up to 1 ng ml-1 could be detected. The stability and reusability of the system was further improved by using a mild eluting reagent which successfully removed the bound insulin molecules from the antibody-coated crystal without affecting the immobilized insulin antibody. Scanning tunneling microscopic (STM) study was also done to confirm the surface coverage and orientation of insulin and antibody molecules on the modified piezoelectric crystal electrode surface. A comparison between the present study and the well-established radioimmunoassay technique (RIA) revealed that the described microgravimetric immunoassay technique (MIA) could successfully be developed as an alternative of RIA.

Enhancement of liposomal gene delivery in human breast cancer cells by dimethyl sulfoxide.

Non-toxic concentrations ( 1%) of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) enhance the liposomal delivery of DNA to both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast tumor cells. Uptake of SV-40-luciferase was enhanced in MCF-7 cells by 14-fold while uptake of CMV-beta-galactosidase was increased 10-fold. In MDA-MB-231 cells, uptake of SV-40-luciferase was increased by approximately 70%. A mixture of ethanol and polyethylene glycol (45:55) at a concentration of 1% produced less pronounced improvements in transgene delivery to MCF-7 cells (a 70% increase in SV-40-luciferase uptake and a 4-fold increase in CMV-beta-galactosidase uptake) but no improvement in SV-40-luciferase gene delivery to MDA-MB-231 cells. These studies suggest that select pharmaceutical adjuvants which dissolve clinically useful drugs may have promise as non-toxic vehicles for improving transgene delivery. However, the relative effectiveness of these adjuvants is likely to vary depending on both the nature of the gene being delivered as well as the tumor cell which is the target for uptake of the exogenous gene.

Sustained enhancement of liposome-mediated gene delivery and gene expression in human breast tumour cells by ionizing radiation.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether irradiation improves the delivery and expression of liposome-DNA complexes in human breast tumour cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS. MDA-MB231 and MCF-7 human breast tumour cells were transfected with a liposomal SV40-luciferase complex and irradiated immediately after, at 24h after or 24h prior to transfection and in the presence or absence of serum. The amount of luciferase plasmid in the cell was evaluated after extraction by the Hirt procedure, while luciferase expression was measured using a luminescence assay. RESULTS: Ionizing radiation enhanced the liposome-mediated delivery and expression of the SV40-luciferase transgene in MDA-MB231 breast tumour cells both in the absence and presence of serum as well as in MCF-7 breast tumour cells. Improved transgene delivery and expression was observed at a clinically relevant dose of 2 Gy, and was dose-dependent over a dose range of 2-10 Gy. The effects of irradiation on transgene expression were observed with irradiation immediately prior to exposure of the cells to the liposome-transgene complex, with irradiation up to 24 h before or up to 24 h after initiation of exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Irradiation at 24 h prior to exposure of breast tumour cells to the liposome-transgene complex appears to be the optimal approach for enhancing transgene delivery and expression. These findings suggest that ionizing radiation could promote the utility of gene therapy in the treatment of breast cancer.

Effect of dentin primer on shear bond strength of composite resin to moist and dry enamel.

The etched enamel-composite resin bond is the most reliable bond known to us. Moisture and dentin primers are the two most important variables that can interfere with this bond. This study investigated the effect of dentin primer on bond strengths of composite resin to moist and dry enamel. One hundred freshly extracted molar teeth were used for shear bond strength testing. The teeth were mounted in phenolic rings with an approximal enamel surface exposed. The exposed enamel surface on each tooth was flattened using 320- 400- and 600-grit silicon carbide papers and etched using 34-38% phosphoric acid gel. The teeth were then divided into 10 groups (n = 10). Four groups were assigned to each of the two dentin bonding systems, Scotchbond Multi-Purpose and OptiBond FL. Two groups were assigned to the single-bottle bonding agent (Single Bond). Each bonding system was tested on moist and dry enamel. OptiBond FL and Scotchbond MP were tested with and without the use of primer. All samples were thermocycled and tested in shear. Fracture analysis was performed using a binocular microscope. For scanning electron microscopy, approximal samples of enamel (1 mm thick) were flattened, etched, and bonded with and without primer on moist and dry enamel. A 1 mm-thick layer of Z100 was bonded to the specimens, which were then immersed in 10% HCl for 24 hours to dissolve the enamel. The specimens were viewed under a scanning electron microscope. Results indicated that the use of primer on dry enamel did not significantly affect (P > 0.05) shear bond strengths for the two bonding systems, Scotchbond MP (primed 24.10 +/- 4.83 MPa, unprimed 29.57 +/- 7.49 MPa) and OptiBond FL (primed 26.82 +/- 4.44, unprimed 25.66 +/- 2.95). However, the use of primer was found to be essential on moist enamel to obtain acceptable bond strengths with both Scotchbond MP (primed 25.61 +/- 10.29 MPa, unprimed 3.26 +/- 0.95 MPa) and OptiBond FL (primed 30.28 +/- 3.49 MPa, unprimed 8.37 +/- 3.31 MPa). Moisture on enamel did not significantly affect (P > 0.05) bond strengths for the single-bottle bonding agent, Single Bond (moist enamel 31.34 +/- 9.03 MPa, dry enamel 27.93 +/- 5.41 MPa). Fracture analysis revealed that most fractures were adhesive or mixed, with a greater percentage being cohesive for the groups with dry enamel or with primer on moist enamel. Scanning electron micrographs corroborated the shear bond strength data. The specimens without primer on moist enamel showed very poor penetration of adhesive and composite resin into the etched enamel microporosities.

Microleakage of Class II resin-based composite restorations with flowable composite in the proximal box.

PURPOSE: To compare microleakage of Class II hybrid resin-based composite (RBC) restorations with and without low viscosity (flowable) RBC in the proximal box. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Conservative Class II cavity preparations were made in 50 extracted premolars randomly assigned to five groups (n = 10). OptiBond FL dentin bonding agent, and Prodigy hybrid RBC were used to restore all cavity preparations. Preparations in four of the five groups were restored with flowable RBC as the initial increment in the proximal box. The four flowable RBCs tested were: AEliteFlo, Revolution, UltraSeal XT and Flow-It. In the control group, the entire preparation was restored only with hybrid RBC. Specimens were stored in water at 37 degrees C for 24 hrs after restoration, thermocycled 1,000x, immersed in 2% basic fuchsin, sectioned and evaluated for microleakage. Microleakage was scored on a 0-4 scale. RESULTS: Non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA followed by Wilcoxon signed ranks test was used for statistical analysis. The use of any of the four flowable RBCs tested did not influence microleakage significantly (P > 0.05) in Class II RBC restorations.

Effect of dentin desensitizers and dentin bonding agents on dentin permeability.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of dentin desensitizing agents (oxalates and glutaraldehyde) and dentin bonding agents, with and without resin-based composite (RBC) on dentin permeability and morphology of the dentin surface. The influence of saliva and toothbrushing on these agents was also evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radicular dentin discs +/-1 mm thick were obtained from extracted human teeth. The thickness of the discs was standardized by grinding them with 600 grit silicon carbide powder. Both pulpal and periodontal surfaces of the discs were treated with 6% citric acid for 2 min prior to the baseline measurement of dentin permeability. Permeability was measured for the discs, using a split-chamber apparatus, at four different time points: at baseline, after treatment with each desensitizing modality, after 24 hrs of saliva immersion and after simulated toothbrushing equivalent to 3 weeks of normal brushing. The treatment modalities were: Sensodyne Dentin Desensitizer, Gluma Dentin Desensitizer, All-Bond DS (primers without etching), Etch+Primers (All-Bond 2 system), Etch+Primers+Adhesive and Etch+Primers+Adhesive+RBC (AElite Flo). Radicular dentin discs were prepared separately for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). One group was left untreated as the control group. Discs in the other groups were treated with the modalities listed above. One disc from each group was viewed under the SEM after treatment with the desensitizing modality. The second disc in each group was viewed after 24 hrs of saliva immersion following desensitizing treatment and the third disc after 3 weeks of simulated toothbrushing following desensitizing treatment and saliva immersion. RESULTS: The greatest reduction in permeability was caused by All-Bond DS followed by Sensodyne Dentin Desensitizer and Etch+Primers+Adhesive+RBC. Gluma Dentin Desensitizer, Etch+Primers, and Etch+Primers+Adhesive did not reduce permeability by a significant amount. Saliva immersion increased permeability significantly only for the Gluma and Etch+Primers+Adhesive groups. There was a trend towards increase in permeability after toothbrushing; however, this increase was not statistically significant for any group (P > 0.05). Thus, placement of primers without etching (All-Bond DS) reduced permeability more than any other treatment modality. These data indicate that etching a sensitive dentin area may be appropriate only if RBC is to be placed in the area. Exposure to saliva and toothbrushing countered the decrease in permeability caused by dedicated desensitizers and dentin bonding agents. The SEM micrographs revealed that in most cases, form corroborated function and the morphology of the dentin surface corresponded to the dentin permeability values.

Dentin desensitizing agents: SEM and X-ray microanalysis assessment.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of four proprietary dentin desensitizing agents on dentin tubular occlusion, chemical composition changes on the dentin surface, and the effect of saliva and toothbrushing on these agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty dentin discs, obtained from 50 freshly extracted human premolar and molar teeth were used in this study. These were divided into five groups of 10 discs each. Five discs from each group were treated with the desensitizing agents, viewed under the SEM and subjected to energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The other five discs were treated with the desensitizing agents, immersed in artificial saliva, subjected to simulated toothbrushing equivalent to 3 weeks of normal brushing and viewed under the SEM. The agents studied were Sensodyne Dentin Desensitizer, Therma-Trol Desensitizer Gel, Gluma Desensitizer and All-Bond DS. RESULTS: The Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed that Sensodyne Dentin Desensitizer exhibited the greatest amount of tubular occlusion among the unbrushed samples, followed by Therma-Trol Desensitizer Gel, Gluma Desensitizer and All-Bond DS (P < 0.05) in that order. Toothbrushing increased tubular occlusion in all cases except the Sensodyne Dentin Desensitizer treated samples.

Pegnology: a review of PEG-ylated systems.

Polyethylene glycol conjugation or linking with the system is called PEGylation. Many novel drug systems are used for the delivery of drugs and bioactive substances to particular sites in a controlled or sustained manner, but various side effects or shortcomings restrict their use for the intended purpose. The shortcomings such as RES uptake, drug leakage, immunogenicity, stability, hemolytic toxicity etc. can generally be overcome by PEGylation of novel drug delivery systems such as liposomes, proteins, enzymes, drugs, nanoparticles etc. In this article the whole aspect of PEGylation starting from activation and derivatisation of poly (ethylene glycol) to the linking and designing of systems and their purification and characterization is discussed. The various properties of Pegylated systems are also discussed.

Suthi feeding: an experience.

PIP: In cases in which expressed breast milk is given or breast feeding cannot be done at all, a suitable alternative to breast feeding is still in question. Bottle feeding poses many hazards. Spoon and bowl have been proposed as a reasonable alternative since users can achieve better cleanliness. Yet it is impractical for staff in health facility nurseries to feed every newborn with the spoon and bowl method since it requires so much time. On average, they need to provide oral feeds to at least 10 babies a day. In India, maternal grandparents present the family of a newborn with the traditional Sindhi silver or stainless steel utensil to provide the infant drinking water. It is called Suthi. It holds either 10 or 20 cc, making it easier to quantify the amount of milk/feed. It has a long semicircular beak and curved rounded margins. Advantages of the Suthi over other alternative feeding methods include: it is a shallow container with a broad upper surface, allowing the user to clean it thoroughly and easily; its narrow beak can go directly into the mouth of the newborn, particularly premature infants and low birth weight infants, with relative ease, reducing the likelihood of spilling milk, and the Suthi feeding procedure is less messy and faster (7-10 vs. 15-20 minutes for spoon) than other procedures. The Suthi method allows nursery staff to spend less time per feed for 8-10 babies (minimum time needed, 1 vs. 3 hours). It can also be used at home. Its use will reduce the likelihood of aspiration since it cannot be used lying down. Since it is a traditional container, the community will accept Suthi. When breast feeding is not possible, the Suthi should be used.^ieng

Compensatory hyperparathyroidism following high fluoride ingestion - a clinico - biochemical correlation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of varying ingestion of drinking water containing high fluorides and its effect on serum parathyroid hormone. DESIGN: Cross sectional clinical study. SETTING: S.M.S. Medical College, Jaipur. SUBJECT: 200 children were selected from four areas (50 from each area) consuming water containing 2.4, 4.6, 5.6 and 13.5 mg/l of fluoride. All children were in an age group of 6 to 12 years. METHODS: All children were graded for clinical, radiological and dental fluorosis and biochemical estimations were made for serum calcium, serum and urinary fluoride and serum parathyroid hormone. RESULTS: Serum calcium levels were well within normal range in the patients of all areas but an increase in serum parathyroid levels (S. PTH) was noted. The increased S. PTH was well correlated with increase in fluoride ingestion. The severity of clinical and skeletal fluorosis was observed to increase with increase in S. PTH concentration. CONCLUSIONS: High Fluoride ingestion has a definite relationship with increased parathyroid hormone secretion, which may be responsible for maintaining serum calcium levels and may have a role in toxic manifestations of fluorosis.

Hypolipidaemic effects of Curcuma longa L and Nardostachys jatamansi, DC in triton-induced hyperlipidaemic rats.

Fifty per cent ethanolic extract of Curcuma longa (tuber) and Nardostachys jatamansi (whole plant) feeding elevates HDL-cholesterol/total cholesterol ratio. The extracts also caused a significant reduction in the ratio of total cholesterol/phospholipids. Curcuma longa exhibited better cholesterol and triglyceride lowering activity [Ch = -85%; Tg = -88%] as compared to N. jatamansi in triton-induced hyperlipidaemic rats. In view of the protective action of HDL against heart disease and atherogenecity, C. longa consumption is recommended.

Soft tissue cephalometric norms for a North Indian population group using Legan and Burstone analysis.

Cephalometric norms are used for providing guidance to clinicians during diagnosis and treatment planning. Most classical norms are not applicable to diverse racial and ethnic population hence the purpose of this study was to establish the soft tissue norms of a North Indian population group using Legan and Burstone soft tissue analysis. The study was conducted on 60 adult subjects with esthetically pleasing profiles aged 18-25 years. Standardized lateral cephalograms were taken in a natural head position and analyzed. North Indians were found to have more convex faces, protrusive lips and acute nasolabial angles compared with Caucasians. Males had more convex faces and protrusive lips than females. This North Indian population group had significant deviations from the Caucasian standards. Considerable diversity was also found for some of the soft tissue variables in males and females.

Establishing the reliability of palatal rugae pattern in individual identification (following orthodontic treatment).

This study aims to determine the stability of palatal rugae before and after orthodontic treatment. 50 orthodontic cases were selected with pre- and posttreatment casts and 50 casts were randomly selected as variables. Landmarks on the palatal raphe and rugae were marked on the maxillary casts. Points were made on medial and lateral ends of first, second and third rugae. Each cast was photographed, measured and then trimmed leaving only the rugae area of the hard palate. In the pre and post-treatment group, changes in transverse measurements were significantly different for lateral points of first rugae and anteroposterior changes were significant for the distances between first and second rugae. All inter-point measurements of third rugae were stable in post-treatment casts. Thirty blinded examiners compared 50 trimmed preorthodontic casts to similarly prepared one hundred casts for possible matches based on pattern of rugae. The percentages of correct matches for examiners had a median of 90%. The matching of pre-operative and post-operative orthodontic casts demonstrated that although some changes do occur in the rugae during orthodontic treatment, the morphology of palatal rugae remains stable throughout life. Hence carefully assessed rugae pattern may have a definite role in forensic identification. Further, points associated with the third palatal ruage were the most immutable over a person's life and hence could be used as a reference to evaluate the changes in teeth positions during orthodontic treatment.

Use of Traditional Indian Plants in the Inhibition of Caries-Causing Bacteria - Streptococcus mutans

The aim of the study was to comparatively evaluate the antibacterial activity of six Indian plant extracts and 0.2% chlorhexidine against clinical strains of Streptococcus mutans, which were isolated from the plaque samples of 45 pediatric patients. Six plant extracts were prepared in three different forms, namely aqueous extracts, organic solvent-based extracts and crude (raw) extracts. The antimicrobial sensitivity testing was done by agar well diffusion method. Antimicrobial activity of the extracts was determined by measuring the mean zones of inhibition (mm) produced against the bacterial isolates. Results showed that crude garlic extract exhibited greater antibacterial activity than chlorhexidine. Aqueous extract of amla and organic solvent-based extract of ginger showed the maximum antibacterial activity against S. mutans, whereas aqueous extract of tulsi and organic solvent based extract of amla showed the minimum antibacterial activity. This study suggests that plant extracts like garlic in crude form, amla as aqueous infusion and ginger as alcoholic tincture have potential for the control of S. mutans. These extracts can be used as an alternative remedy for dental caries prevention or in the form of mouthwash, which is safe and economical.

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar comparativamente a atividade antibacteriana de seis plantas indianas contra linhagens clínicas de Streptococcus mutans, que foram isoladas das amostras de biofilme dental de 45 pacientes pediátricos, com 0,2% de clorexidina. Seis extratos vegetais foram preparados em três formas diferentes, a saber, extratos aquosos, extratos à base de solventes orgânicos e extratos brutos. Os testes de sensibilidade antimicrobiana foram realizados por método de difusão em agar. A atividade antimicrobiana dos extratos foi determinada através da medição da zona de inibição, em milímetros, produzida contra os isolados bacterianos. Os resultados mostraram que o extrato de alho cru apresentou maior atividade antibacteriana do que a clorexidina. O extrato aquoso de amla e o extrato à base de solventes orgânicos de gengibre mostraram a máxima atividade antibacteriana contra S. mutans, enquanto o extrato aquoso de tulsi (manjericão) e o extrato à base de solventes orgânicos de amla mostraram mínima atividades antibacteriana. Este estudo sugere que extratos de plantas como o alho em forma bruta, amla como infusão aquosa e gengibre como tintura alcoólica tem um potencial para o controle de S. mutans. Estes extratos podem ser utilizados como uma via alternativa para a prevenção de cáries dentárias ou sob a forma de bochechos, que são seguros e econômicos.