Comparing the effectiveness of aqueous and alcoholic rubia cordifolia extracts against streptococcus mutans and lactobacillus acidophilus with chlorhexidine: An in vitro study

Introduction: Because of the majorly reported undesirable effects of excessive antibiotic usage like drug hypersensitivity and drug virulence, herbal extracts serve as alternatives with potent therapeutic effects and lesser side effects. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effectiveness of aqueous and alcoholic Rubia cordifolia extracts against S.mutans and L.acidophilus. Materials and Methods:  The antibacterial activity of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of R.cordifolia was tested on S.mutans and L.acidophilus and compared with the gold standard Chlorhexidine. Aqueous extract and alcoholic extracts of R.cordifolia was formulated.The antibacterial activity of  R.cordifolia was determined by agar well diffusion method. Results: The aqueous extract of R.cordifolia showed a higher zone of inhibition for L.acidophilus at 100 μl measuring 21mm. The alcoholic extract of R.cordifolia showed a higher zone of inhibition for S. mutans which  was the maximum at 100 μl  measuring 21mm. The zone of inhibition of Aqueous and Alcoholic extracts of R.cordifolia was much superior to chlorhexidine against L.acidophilus and S.mutans respectively. Conclusion: The aqueous and alcoholic Rubia cordifolia extracts were effective against  S.mutans and L.acidophilus. Aqueous extract of R.cordifolia is superior in inhibiting l.acidophilus than chlorhexidine. Alcoholic extracts of R.cordifolia is superior in inhibiting s.mutans  than chlorhexidine