ABSTRACT

This research work deals with formulation of mouthwash containing Mimusops elengi fruit saponins and studying in vitro antimicrobial activity against dental pathogens isolated from patients suffering from dental problems. In this study, saponins were isolated from the crude unripe fruit powder and tested against Gram positive microorganisms- S. aureus, B. subtilis, S. fecalis, Gram negative microorganisms – P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, E. coli, S. typhi, fungus C. albicans and clinical dental pathogens (Streptococci and Streptobacilli). The isolated saponins (1 % w/V) were incorporated in a suitable aqueous base to formulate a pharmaceutically accepted mouthwash with no after effects. The mouthwash was inherently sweet in taste and did not leave any dry feeling in the mouth after its usage. The mouthwash exhibited a good antibacterial activity against all the mentioned microorganisms and comparable activity to the marketed Listerine® mouthwash. Hence, the formulated mouthwash can be considered as an adjunct treatment for maintaining oral health.