Antimicrobial effect of Juglans regia bark with commonly used antibiotics against initial colonizers of Plaque and Caries: A comparative study

Introduction:There is a progressive increase in the patients of dental caries and periodontitis in the recent years. The main emphasis is laid on avoiding the accumulation and inducing the elimination/suppression of caries-causing microbes in the oral cavity. A variety of antimicrobial agents are incorporated into oral hygiene products but these products come up with their own disadvantages. Natural products prove to be biocompatible with medicinal properties.Aims and Objectives:The objective of the study is to access the antimicrobial activities of Juglans regia bark against dental caries and plaque. Also, antibacterial activity of Juglans bark is compared with oral rinses and systemic antibiotics.Material and Methods:The study sample consisted of 50 subjects and was divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 25 samples without caries and Group 2 also included 25 samples with caries. Both samples were in the age group 18-22 years. Plant samples of Juglans regia bark from Kashmir and Himachal were collected. Extracts containing both varieties were prepared and antibacterial activities of both groups were determined. Comparison of Juglans regia bark with antibiotics and mouthwashes was also done.Results and Conclusion:J. regia bark of both the varieties showed zone of inhibitions. Ethanol variety showed larger zone of inhibition than distilled water variety of both plaque and caries groups. Chlorhexidine showed satisfactory antimicrobial activity while Betadine showed none. Amoxicilline was effective but Metronidazole showed no activity against both groups. Bark of J. regia proved to be very beneficial against both plaque and caries bacteria without any side effects as both mouthwashes and antibiotics are harmful and cannot be used daily.