Original Research

Year : 2026 | Volume : 17 | Issue : 2 | Page : 128-135

Antimicrobial Efficacy Of a Novel Neem-Based Dentifrice on Streptococcus Mutans in Plaque around Orthodontic Brackets: An In-Vitro Study

Aishwarya K-1, Ravanth Kumar C-2, Seerab Husain-3, Heenaz Nihar A-4

1-Postgraduate Resident, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, 2-Associate Professor, 3-Assistant Professor, 4-Postgraduate Resident, Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University), Chennai

Address for Correspondence:

Dr Ravanth Kumar C.,

Associate Professor, Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics,

Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital,

Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University),

Tamil Nadu, Chennai

Email ID: drravanth.ortho@madch.edu.in

ABSTRACT

Background: Streptococcus mutans is the primary cariogenic pathogen implicated in dental caries, and its colonization is significantly enhanced in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment due to plaque retention around brackets. Neem (Azadirachta indica), a plant with excellent antimicrobial properties, has been explored as a natural alternative to conventional antimicrobial agents in oral care.

Aim: To evaluate and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of neem dentifrice at three different concentrations (1%, 5%, and 10%) against Streptococcus mutans on orthodontic bracket bonded, extracted teeth. 

Materials and Methods: Thirty bracket-fixed extracted human teeth were divided into three groups (n=10 each) based on the concentration of Neem dentifrice applied: Group A (1%), Group B (5%), and Group C (10%). Microbial analysis was done using BHI broth to evaluate the number of colonies formed per group. The obtained data was tabulated and the mean difference of the colony forming units were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA.

Results: The mean CFU/ml values were 104.30±12.78 cfu/ml for the 1% group, 33.20±9.42 cfu/ml for the 5% group, and 4.80±3.70 cfu/ml for the 10% group, demonstrating a clear concentration-dependent reduction in bacterial colony counts. One-way ANOVA revealed a statistically significant difference between three groups (F = 296.365, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Neem dentifrice exhibited significant, dose-dependent antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans, with the 10% concentration showing the greatest efficacy. These findings suggest that neem dentifrice may serve as an effective natural adjunct for plaque and caries control in orthodontic patients.

Keywords: Antimicrobial, Azadirachta indica, Streptococcus mutans.

FUNDING

This research was funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), India.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors hereby declare that there is no conflict of interest.

How to cite this article: Aishwarya K, Ravanth Kumar C, Seerab Husain, Heenaz Nihar A. Antimicrobial Efficacy Of a Novel Neem-Based Dentifrice on Streptococcus Mutans in Plaque around Orthodontic Brackets: An In-Vitro Study.

Int J Orthod Rehabil 2026; 17 (2): 128-135.

Doi: 10.56501/Intjorthodrehabil.172.ijor0111

Original Research

Year : 2025 | Volume : 16 | Issue : 4 | Page : 1-13

Antimicrobial Potential Of Pycnogenol® Coated Orthodontic Modules Against Oral Pathogens: An Invitro Study

Divya Devraj,1 Ratna Parameswaran,2 Monikaa Marappan,1 Seerab Husain,3

1-Postgraduate Resident, 2-Professor, 3-Assistant Professor, Department of Orthodontics, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Address for Correspondence:

Dr. Ratna Parameswaran

Department of Orthodontics, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital

Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University)

Alapakkam Main Road, Chennai – 600 095

Tamil Nadu, India

Email ID: drratna.ortho@madch.edu.in

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Fixed orthodontic treatment increases the oral microbial count, leading to a series of oral health problem. Incorporating products containing antimicrobial effects into the orthodontic materials reduces the escalation of harmful effects of these pathogens. Pycnogenol ®, an extract from the bark of French pine tree (Pinus pinaster Aiton) is a major constituent of over 1000 dietary supplements and variety of other products worldwide, used for treating various illness. However, its potential in orthodontics remains to be explored.

Materials and Methods: Pycnogenol ® extract was prepared and coated onto the orthodontic modules. Drug loading and drug release kinetics was studied using UV visual spectrometry. The coated modules were subjected to antimicrobial testing against common oral pathogens. SEM imaging was done to analyse the surface coating of the orthodontic modules.

Results: The antimicrobial activity for S. mutans, E. coli, and S. aureus were studied at 1, 8, and 24 hours. The mean rank obtained from MIC showed that there is a highly significant difference between the bacterial groups in all the time duration. Direct agar diffusion test showed profound zone of inhibition of 20 mm for S. mutans. Additionally, Pycnogenol ® coated modules also demonstrates antimicrobial activity against E. coli and S. aureus.

Conclusion: Increased microbial adhesion to orthodontic appliances and modules causes a sequelae of oral health problems. Pycnogenol® is a potent antioxidant possessing antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The study exhibits the release of the Pycnogenol® from the modules after coating and the coated modules also demonstrate antimicrobial activity.

Keywords: Fixed Orthodontic Appliances, Pycnogenol, antioxidant, reactive oxygen species, ROS, Antimicrobial, Oral Pathogens, Modules.

FUNDING

This study was funded by Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University), Chennai. Ref: MADC/IEC/041/2021

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest in this study.

How to cite this article: Divya Devraj, Ratna Parameswaran, Monikaa Marappan, Seerab Husain. Antimicrobial Potential Of Pycnogenol® Coated Orthodontic Modules Against Oral Pathogens: An Invitro Study. Int J Orthod Rehabil 2025; 16 (4): 1-13.