Preparation of an Antibacterial Herbal Mouthwash with Maerua Crassifolia Forsk. against Oral Pathogens in Patients Wearing an ODF (Dentofacial Orthopedics) Appliance

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Laboratory of Bioeconomy, Food Safety and health, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Life. Abdelhamid Ibn Badis University of Mostaganem, 27000 Mostaganem, Algeria

2 Food Technology and Nutrition Research Laboratory, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, University of Mostaganem, 27000 Mostaganem, Algeria

3 Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, University Center of El-Bayadh, 32000 El-Bayadh, Algeria

4 Water and Environment Laboratory, Echahid Cheikh Larbi Tebessi University, 12002, Tebessa, Algeria

Abstract

Antibacterial agents are inherently present in flora. They are more manageable, less detrimental, more efficient, and exhibit low toxicity to mammals. Maerua crassifolia is a plant indigenous to Algeria. People use the leaves in beverages to treat various diseases. Our pilot clinical investigation examined the therapeutic efficacy of a mouthwash produced by M. crassifolia in patients undergoing therapy for dental caries while utilizing orthodontic gear. This study sought to evaluate the present condition of caries treatment and prevention while identifying viable techniques to mitigate this issue. After sampling, the stems were severed, desiccated, and thereafter conveyed to the laboratory for examination. The secondary chemicals in the extracts were identified using the resultant chemical colorimetric reactions. We examined the impact of M. crassifolia plant toxins using the brine shrimp assay. We subsequently isolated oral bacteria from ODF carriers and evaluated the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of these carriers. The crude yield of the hot-soaked M. crassifolia stem extract was recorded at 7.93%. All in vitro reactions demonstrated the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, reducing sugars, alkaloids, and saponins. This result signifies that certain types of chemicals demonstrate significant biological activity. Extracts of M. crassifolia are deemed non-toxic to HaCaT cells. A consortium of bacteria was identified, comprising Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. The findings of a study on the inhibitory action of the crude extract of M. crassifolia Forsk indicated that the extracts had an inhibitory impact on all isolated strains. The diminished oral hygiene index indicates that our mouthwash incorporates antibacterial agents. This investigation exhibited favorable outcomes, with subsequent clinical findings for our patient indicating a distinct enhancement in the following references: The gingival pigmentation changes, making the gums appear biologically red; the gingival edema decreases; the gingival hemorrhage decreases or completely stops; and the gingival inflammatory response (gingivitis) lessens.

Keywords

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References

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Journal of Medicinal plants and By-products
Volume 15, Issue 4
July and August 2026
Pages 493-498

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