Moringa oleifera Mouthwash Reinforced with Silver Nanoparticles - Preparation, Characterization and its Efficacy Against Oral Aerobic Microorganisms - In Vitro Study

Moringa oleifera (MO) commonly known as drumstick plant, is recognised by modern medicine for its distinctive therapeutic benefits. One of those benefits being its antimicrobial activity. Silver nanoparticles, known for its pharmacological effects as well as synergistic action with various agents have gained popularity in recent years. The aim of this research work was to assess the antibacterial efficacy of 5% Moringa oleifera mouthwash reinforced with silver nanoparticles against oral aerobic organisms. Aqueous extract of 5% Moringa oleifera was used to synthesize silver nanoparticles and prepare the mouthwash. Characterization was done using scanning electron microscopy analysis and energy dispersive x-ray analysis. The antibacterial activity of the mouthwash against Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Candida albicans was investigated using agar well diffusion assay. 5% MO - silver nanoparticles mouthwash had a stronger impact on Staphylococcus aureus and a comparable effect on Streptococcus mutans. The maximum zone of inhibition was 28 mm at 100 µL for Staphylococcus aureus and minimum zone of inhibition was 16mm for Candida albicans. There was a dose dependent effect of MO - silver nanoparticles mouthwash on Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans. Of these, the antimicrobial effect was more appreciable on plaque colonizers like Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans. Thus, these characteristics of phytomedicine and nanomedicine prove to be a safer alternative in the management of Plaque associated Gingival diseases.