Preparation of mouthwash by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and triphala: alternative to chlorhexidine gluconate

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is considered as a reservoir of oral cavity. This bacterium is present in nosocomial infections with high morbidity and mortality. This bacterium is an initial step in pathogenesis of pulmonary infection in patients with cystic fibrosis. When these species interact with other species of periodontal pathogens has greater chances of having aggressive periodontitis. Chlorhexidine gluconate is been widely used in many mouthwashes and is known for its antibacterial activity. It has certain side effects such as staining, alteration in taste, tartar formation. The alternative to Chlorhexidine is triphala which helps in maintaining oral health and helps prevent periodontitis. In previous studies it was been observed that triphala is more effective than Chlorhexidine. Moreover, Chlorhexidine treats gingivitis, not periodontitis, whereas triphala fights against both gingivitis as well as periodontitis. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, non-pathogenic yeast, is a potential probiotic. It has significant antibacterial activity and immunomodulatory activity. Triphala preparation is made from Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis), belleric myrobalan (Terminalia bellirica) and black myrobalan (Terminalia chebula). It is an ancient herbal remedy with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. It improves oral health by preventing plaque, gingivitis, heals mouth sores. It shows antibacterial activity except probiotic organisms. In this study, effect of triphala and S. cerevisiae against P. aeruginosa was evaluated by agar-well diffusion method. Triphala solution and S. cerevisiae effectively showed antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa individually. Therefore, triphala and S. cerevisiae together were tested at various concentrations against P. aeruginosa. The result showed the clear zone of inhibition showing successful inhibition of P.aeruginosa. Therefore, mouthwash that contains triphala and S. cerevisiae can be efficiently use for maintaining oral health and this mouthwash can be alternative to chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwashes and triphala can be a promising therapeutic agent in treatment of periodontitis and gingivitis without any side effects on long term use.