Estimation of Antibacterial Activity of Plants Extracts from Phyllanthus Emblica, Terminalia Chebula and Eucalyptus Globulus Against Oral Pathogens

Asimuddin M, Bhumika Ranawat, Kaiser Jamil* & Chandrakanth Rao

Dental caries and periodontal disease are the most common oral infections in humans. These diseases are primarily treated with antimicrobial drugs; however, the rise in antimicrobial resistance necessitates the investigation of plant-based phytocompounds as antimicrobial agents. This study investigated the phytochemicals present in three plants, Phyllanthus emblica, Terminalia chebula and Eucalyptus globulus, as well as their antibacterial effect on the cariogenic bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 3160), Escherichia coli (MTCC 1655) and Streptococcus mutans (MTCC 890). Fruits of Phylanthus emblica, Terminalia chebula and leaves of Eucalyptus globulus were extracted in aqueous, ethanol and methanol solvents. These extracts were tested for phytochemical compounds. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using agar disc diffusion method.

The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was measured via 96-well turbidimetric method. Results of preliminary qualitative phytochemical study of extracts revealed the presence of tannins and terpinoids in all the three plants. Antibacterial activity assay showed that the plant extracts were more active against gram-positive bacteria than gram-negative bacteria. The most susceptible bacteria was S. aureus. The bacterial strains tested were more susceptible to methanol extracts followed by ethanol and the least effective was aqueous extract. These findings indicate that Phyllanthus emblica, Terminalia chebula and Eucalyptus globulus extracts have potential antibacterial activity against oral pathogens such as S. aureus, S. mutans and E.coli and could be potentially used treatment of dental carries.
 

The Relationship between Dental Anxiety Level and Patients’ Knowledge of the Procedure

Najlaa Alshathri*, Bayan Dada, Rowa Alghofaili, Deema Altuwairqi, Ahmed tawfiq Gamal, Ghaida Aldawsari, Asma Alzabin

Background and Aim: Patients avoids dental treatments due to fear and anxiety.Our aim is to determine the relationship between dental anxiety level and patients’ knowledge of the procedure steps to be conducted, and to perceive the correlation between heart rate and dental anxiety.

Material and Methods: A random sample of patients were divided in to two groups. The study group were shown a video describing the dental procedure, after filling the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) questionnaire. The heart rates of the study group were recorded four times with a pulse Oximeter; in the waiting area, while watching the video, on the dental chair and after the procedure. The control group had their heart rates recorded three times; without watching videos.

Results: Increased heart rate were detected while watching the video, and when seated on the dental chair, the study group showed a higher heart rate reading than the control group. The study group showed a higher salivary cortisol level than the control.

Discussion: Salivary cortisol and heart rate can be reliable to confirm patient’s anxiety level.A positive relation found between MDAS and both heart rate and salivary cortisol. Our study reviled increased dental anxiety among patients receiving detailed information about the producers.