Abstract:

Background: Antimicrobial activity of honey is exhibited due to it’s high sugar content which prevents the growth of the bacteria. Similarly, antimicrobial activity of orange peel is due to the presence of flavonoid-like substances. Chlorhexidine is a standard product which shows both bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects.   Aim: To compare the antimicrobial activity of honey, orange peel and chlorhexidine against E.faecalis, Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus.   Materials and Method: Honey, orange peel extract and chlorhexidine were obtained commercially. Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus were taken from the microbiology lab. The antibacterial activity of the extracts will be screened using agar well diffusion assay and compared with 0.2% chlorhexidine.   Results: The test compounds showed antimicrobial activity against  E.faecalis and Streptococcus mutans , but not against Staphylococcus aureus. Chlorhexidine exhibited a higher zone of inhibition.   Conclusion: Based on the study, it can be concluded that honey shows a bactericidal effect against streptococcus mutans and bacteriostatic activity against Staphylococcus aureus. However, orange peel showed a bacteriostatic effect against streptococcus mutans. Chlorhexidine being gold standard showed a bactericidal effect against streptococcus mutans and staphylococcus aureus. Further studies using herbal products should be used as an alternative tool by carrying out with higher concentrations and in order to get better antimicrobial effects so as to incorporate them in mouthwashes as well as periodontal dressing in the form of topical application to decrease the bacterial load in the oral cavity.

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