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Background: Chronic mucocutaneous symptoms are a hallmark of lichen planus (LP), an inflammatory disease of the stratified squamous epithelium. The most severe type of mucosal lichen is oral erosive lichen planus (OELP). Materials and Methods: Thirty patients were included in this prospective trial, with fifteen patients each assigned to Group A and Group B. Patients were given a choice between a placebo gel and an ayurvedic gel comprising pure turmeric, Calendula officinalis, and tulsi powder in an oral basis. At each appointment, the patients' reactions to therapy were scored on the Tel Aviv-San Francisco Scale, whereas the degree of the fire was rated using a Visual Analog Scale. Data analysis was carried out using IBM's Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Insights version 21. Results: After receiving ayurvedic gel, patients in Group A reported much less burning than those in Group B (placebo). Group A responded better to therapy overall than Group B. Conclusion: This study's findings support the use of an ayurvedic gel made from pure turmeric, Calendula officinalis, and tulsi powder for the treatment of erosive lichen planus.

Background & objectives: The main aim of this research is to provide literature on the Ocimum plant, and to know the significance of the Ocimum species carried out by pharmacognostic study and experimental design for GC-MS. Ocimum genus are very important for their therapeutic potential among the most important aromatic herbs. Methods: Extreme attention has been put on literature reports in which the utilization of tulsi and their pharmacognostic study has been done by performing morphological and microscopic leaf experimental design and by using essential oil through the GC-MS instrumentation method. Results: The utilization of these characteristics would be important for the drug discovery scientist to develop a specific formulation of the crude drug, which will be a magical therapeutic agent in the future, with many advantages. GC-MS chromatogram of Ocimum sanctum, Ocimum canum, and Ocimum gratissimum oil showed major peaks and has been identified after comparison of the mass spectra with the NIST library, indicating the presence of three phytocomponents. From the results, the GC-MS study suggested that anethole which is well reported antimicrobial compound is more in O. canum (2.66%) in comparison to O. sanctum (1,28%) but absent in O. gratissimum. The results indicated that the antimicrobial activity is more in O. canum due to the presence ofa high amount of anethole in comparison to O. gratissimum and O. sanctum. Interpretation & conclusion: The result revealed that O. canum has a microscopic character that can be identified by the characteristic GC MS analysis of extracts to distinguish between different species of the ocimum plant.

Objectives: Aloe vera and tulsi were compared in this study to see how well they treated oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). Materials and Method: The study involved thirty healthy volunteers aged from 20 to 55 without any systemic complications. The patients were given medications that needed to be applied two to three times daily. For four months, patients were followed up with monthly follow-up visits. The differences in the mouth opening and changes to the burning sensation on the visual analog scale (VAS) were statistically analyzed. Results: Both the burning sensation and mouth opening showed a statistically significant improvement. Conclusion: Tulsi and aloe vera provide a secure and effective method for treating OSMF symptoms.

The objective of the study was to synthesize silver nanoparticles using Mentha X Piperita (Mint) + Ocimum tenuiflorum (tulsi) and to confirm its size and shape. 0.5 mg of tulsi and 0.5 mg mint were diluted in distilled water (100 ml). The dissolved formulation was heated for 15 min at 70°C and filtered. The filtrate was homogeneously combined with 0.9 mg of silver nitrate to prepare nanoparticles of silver (AgNPs). The characterization of the obtained nanoparticle was done using transmission electron microscopy. Using agar disc diffusion assay, the antibacterial property was evaluated against common oral microbes at different concentrations. Silver nanoparticles showed excellent antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans at 100 μL concentration. At 25 and 50 μL, all microbes showed similar extent of antimicrobial activity when quantified. Tulsi and mint prove to be effective in synthesizing silver nanoparticles that have good antimicrobial activity against oral microbes.

Context: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic insidious oral potentially malignant disorder characterized by increased collagen deposition and reduced collagen degradation causing burning sensation and difficulty in mouth opening. Aim: To assess the efficacy of topical Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) paste for the management of OSMF. Settings and Design: Institution-based clinical trial. Materials and Methods: The study included a total of 60 OSMF patients categorized into three Groups A, B and C (20 in each) depending on the severity according to Lai DR et al. classification. The patients were advised for topical Tulsi paste application and were evaluated for the reduction in the burning sensation and improvement in mouth opening every month for 3 subsequent months using the numeric pain rating scale (NRS) and a Vernier calliper, respectively. Statistical Analysis: The baseline and 3-month recordings were subjected to inter- and intra-group statistical analysis using Kruskal–Wallis analysis of variance (ANOVA), Mann–Whitney U, one-way ANOVA, Tukey's multiple post-hoc and Wilcoxon matched-pairs tests. Results: There was a reduction in the burning sensation and improvement in the mouth opening in all three groups. The reduction in the burning sensation was statistically significant among all the groups (P < 0.05) and the NRS scores after 3 months among the three groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in the improvement of mouth opening between Group A and B; A and C; but not between B and C. Conclusion: Tulsi paste showed a significant reduction in the burning sensation and improvement of the mouth opening thereby proving to be a safe and promising medicament for OSMF.

Oral lichen planus (OLP), a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the oral mucosa, may cause pain or discomfort along with increased burning sensation. There are numerous treatment modalities available that have several side effects. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of Ayurvedic management for oral Lichen Planus. Two sources of Internet were used to search appropriate articles which satisfied the purpose of study including PubMed and Google scholar. Studies which were done on Indian population, PubMed search including articles that were published between January 1, 2000 and October 31, 2019, Studies published in English or which could be translated to English, randomized clinical trials, controlled clinical trials and longitudinal studies with essential data on Ayurvedic approach were included. Patients having Oral Lichen Planus where ayurvedic approach was used for treatment. Out of 09 articles, included in systematic review, in almost all the studies improvement in pain, erythema and burning sensation were reported in score scale. Administration of topical herbal antioxidants and topical application of herbal medicines prove to be effective approach in minimizing the signs and symptoms of Oral Lichen Planus. Long-term use of steroids has many side effects while the herbal medicines almost have none. So, herbal medicines can be used for better efficacy with least side effects for OLP.

Background: The aim of our study is to assess the effectiveness of Curcumin and Tulsi in the control of periodontal parameters when delivered in the form of local drug delivery (LDD) agents. Methods: Curenext gel® and Tulsi gel were used as the two LDD agent. A split mouth randomized clinical trial was carried out in 15 patients. Three sites in different quadrants were assigned treatment modality of scaling and root planing (SRP) alone, SRP with LDD of curcumin and SRP with LDD of Tulsi extract, respectively. Clinical parameters Probing Pocket Depth, Clinical Attachment Level, Plaque Index, Gingival Index, and modified Sulcus Bleeding Index were recorded and subgingival plaque sample collected for N-benzoyl-L-arginine-p-nitroanilide (BAPNA) assay on baseline followed by LDD with extracts in the assigned group. The parameters were recorded at baseline and on 30th day postoperatively. Unpaired and Paired-'t' test were used for intergroup and intragroup comparison of recorded clinical and microbiological parameters. Results: All the treatment modalities showed statistically significant reduction in clinical and microbiological parameters on intragroup comparison. Intergroup comparison showed statistically significant reduction in Plaque Index in curcumin group and BAPNA assay in Tulsi group when compared to SRP. Conclusion: Both the herbs were effective in improving periodontal parameters and may develop as an alternative to currently used LDD agents in near future.

Background: The traditional healthcare systems are being avidly looked into in the quest for effective remedies to tackle the menace of COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: This was a prospective randomized, controlled open-label, blinded end point (PROBE) study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a fixed ayurvedic regimen (FAR) as an add-on to conventional treatment/standard of care (SOC) in the management of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 infection. Methodology: A total of 68 patients were recruited who consumed either FAR + SOC (n = 35) or SOC only (n = 33) for 28 days. Primary outcomes assessed were mean time required for clinical recovery and proportion of patients showing clinical recovery between the groups. Secondary outcomes assessed included mean time required for testing SARS-CoV-2 negative, change in clinical status on World Health Organization (WHO) ordinal scale, number of days of hospitalization, change in disease progression and requirement of oxygen/intensive care unit admission/ventilator support/rescue medication, health status on WHO quality of life (QOL) BREF, and safety on the basis of occurrence of adverse event/serious adverse event (AE/SAE) and changes in laboratory parameters. Results: Patients consuming FAR as an add-on SOC showed faster clinical recovery from the day of onset of symptoms by 51.34% (P < 0.05) as compared to SOC group. A higher proportion of patients taking FAR recovered within the first 2 weeks compared to those taking only SOC. It was observed that 5 times more patients recovered within 7 days in FAR group when compared to SOC (P < 0.05) group. An earlier clinical recovery was observed in clinical symptoms such as sore throat, cough, loss of taste, and myalgia (P < 0.05). Improvement in postclinical symptoms such as appetite, digestion, stress and anxiety was also observed to be better with the use of FAR. Requirement of rescue medications such as antipyretics, analgesics, and antibiotics was also found to be reduced in the FAR group (P < 0.05). FAR showed a significant improvement in all the assessed domains of QOL. None of the AEs/SAE reported in the study were assessed to be related to the study drugs. Further, FAR did not produce any significant change in the laboratory safety parameters and was assessed to be safe. Conclusion: FAR could be an effective and safe add-on ayurvedic regimen to standard of care in the management of mild and moderate COVID-19 patients. CTRI number: CTRI/2020/09/027914.

Background: Dental caries is a multifactorial disease, which is preventable by adopting healthy behaviors like toothbrushing. Tulsi extract mouthrinse has confirmed its antibacterial efficacy against Streptococcus mutans. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess and compare the antibacterial efficacy of 4% tulsi leaf extract, commercially available fluoridated (Colgate Total Care), and placebo dentifrices on salivary S. mutans counts among 14–15-year-old schoolchildren in Davangere city. Subjects and Methods: A triple-blinded randomized controlled trial consisted of 84 randomly selected participants aged 14–15 years. Baseline unstimulated 2-ml saliva was collected and the microorganisms were cultured using mitis salivarius selective media. The participants with 105 colony-forming units were considered eligible. Block randomization and concealed randomization method was adopted to allocate the participants into three groups containing 28 each. After 7 days, postassessment of salivary S. mutans count was done. Statistical Analysis: Wilcoxon signed-rank test for within-group comparison and Kruskal–Wallis analysis of variance for intergroup comparison were used. Missing data analysis was performed. Results: The study showed a significant reduction in salivary S. mutans counts from baseline to posttest (mean rank 37.95–28.45) in tulsi toothpaste group. Intergroup comparison showed a statistically significant difference (P = 0.035). Post hoc analysis showed a statistically significant difference between tulsi and placebo toothpaste group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Four percent tulsi extract incorporated in the form of toothpastes have shown a maximum reduction in the salivary S. mutans count for a period of 7 days when compared to fluoridated toothpaste.

Aim and Objectives: The aim and objectives of this study are to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of Myristica fragrans – Nutmeg, Terminalia chebula – Myrobolan, Ocimum sanctum-tulsi, and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) on the removal of the smear layer by the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Settings and Design: Endodontic treatment aims at disinfection and then obturation of root canal system in to prevent re-infection. Root canal irrigants play a pivotal role in the disinfection process. One of the important properties of an irrigant is the removal of complete smear layer and debris. Smear layer has the potential to protect bacteria within the dentinal tubules; therefore removal may be prudent. Smear layer removal increases the bond strength of resin sealers which results in better apical seal. Materials and Methods: Forty extracted single-rooted, primary teeth were allocated randomly into four groups of ten each: Group 1 – NaOCl, Group 2 – Nutmeg, Group 3 – Myrobolan, and Group 4 – Tulsi. Samples were stored in sterile saline (0.9% NaCl) and then decoronated at the level of the cementoenamel junction. Working length was determined followed by appropriate irrigation. The roots were split into two halves with a chisel and were stored in 2.5% glutaraldehyde solution for 24 h. After fixation, the samples were dehydrated in ethanol series (70, 90, and 95 and twice at 100%). Each specimen was mounted on Al stub and sputter coated with a 20 nm layer of gold. Samples were then examined using a SEM quantum 60 at magnification of ×2000. Results: Tulsi demonstrated the most statistically significant results followed by myrobolan and nutmeg extract. All herbal extracts were found to be significantly effective than 2.5% NaOCl. Conclusion: Tulsi, nutmeg and myrobolan can be effectively used as an irrigant in primary teeth.

Background and Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of synthetic obturating material (Zinc oxide eugenol) individually and combined with medicinal plant extracts (Triphala, Aloevera, Tulsi) against four bacterial strains (Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli). Methods: The herbal extracts were independently mixed in different ratios with zinc oxide powder, followed by mixing with eugenol to know the effective concentration using antibacterial assay. Initially different concentrations of each test material were placed into Agar diffusion wells and zones of inhibition were measured against the selected bacteria. The concentration with maximum zone of inhibition for each test material was assessed and grouped as Group I- Triphala and zinc oxide eugenol (80:20), Group II- Aloevera and zinc oxide eugenol (80:20), Group III- Tulsi and zinc oxide eugenol (50:50) and Group IV- Plain zinc oxide eugenol. Results: All the groups exhibited varied antimicrobial activity against test microorganisms which were statistically significant. Highest antimicrobial efficacy was noticed in the group I followed by group II, III and the least with group IV samples. Conclusion: The formulations obtained by incorporating Triphala, Aloevera, Tulsi in Zinc oxide exhibited substantial antimicrobial activity when compared to Zinc oxide eugenol alone. Even though, the tested materials showed good antibacterial activity in this in vitro study, clinical trials need to be conducted before recommending them as obturating materials in primary teeth.

Objectives: To evaluate the aerobic and anaerobic antimicrobial efficacy of Ocimum Sanctum (Tulsi) essential oil and compare it with that of triple antibiotic paste (TAP) by collecting microbiological samples from the root canals of primary molars. Study Design: Forty children were selected for the study and were randomly divided into two groups of twenty each, namely, TAP group and O. sanctum group (basil). Six intracanal samples were collected for every patient, comprising of two each after access opening, irrigation and after 3 days of intracanal medicament placement. These samples were cultured in aerobic and anaerobic environment and later colony-forming units (CFUs) were counted and intragroup as well as intergroup comparison was done. Results: Analysis of the results showed that there was a statistically significant reduction in CFUs after using essential oil of O. sanctum as an intracanal medicament. Saline use also leads to a statistically significant reduction in CFUs irrespective of the intracanal medicament used. TAP showed better antibiotic properties in comparison with that of O. sanctum. Conclusion: Antibiotic use is often associated with the adverse effects and development of resistance due to injudicious use. O. sanctum can be used in cases of long-standing infection owing to its antimicrobial efficacy and anti-inflammatory potential as an intracanal medicament in primary teeth.

Introduction: Several adsorbents have been tried in the past to find a proficient and cost-effective defluoridating agent. Many of the methods have some precincts because of the low adsorption capacity, poor integrity and need for pre-treatment. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of three natural, low-cost, household-level products to remove fluoride from standard water. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, a standard solution of fluoride and a known weight of tulsi leaves, drumstick leaves and tamarind seed powder was prepared and analysed for changes in fluoride level and pH level on treatment at baseline, after 6 h and after 24 h. Results: Amongst the three plants, Tamarindus indica was found to be more effective in defluoridation showing a reduction up to 0.18 parts per million. Conclusion: Amongst the aforementioned three plants, tamarind seed powder was the domestic material with the best defluoridation property.

Introduction: Irrigants play an essential role in the successful debridement and disinfection of pulp space. Various combination of irrigants used during root canal treatment enhance their efficacy, but some form precipitates which affects the diffusion of intracanal medicaments and the seal of the obturated root canal. Aim: To evaluate the combination of various irrigants whether it forms the precipitate and also to quantify the amount of precipitate formed. Materials and Methods: Five different irrigants were taken in ten test tubes each having the combination of two irrigants and observed for 2 min for precipitate formation. Results: One-way-ANOVA test revealed more amounts of precipitate with 2% Chlorhexidine (CHX) 5% Tulsi followed by 2% CHX, 5% Neem and 3% Sodium hypochlorite 2% CHX. Conclusion: Precipitate formation is seen more with the 2% CHX-5% Neem followed by 2% CHX-5% Tulsi when compared with the control group. When these combinations of irrigants were used, intermediate flushes of saline or distilled water reduced the amount of precipitate.

The use of herbal medicines has increased dramatically over the past few years. The United States alone noted a 380% increase in the consumption of these products. Although the common practice of taking over-the-counter herbal soups, herbal teas and other such prepacked preparations was not associated with adverse events at large, still, some herbs are known to cause problems, especially when large doses are taken. The American Society of Anaesthesiologist (ASA) has taken a conservative stance and recommended that it is prudent to stop these products at least 2-3 weeks prior to anaesthesia and surgery. This advice may be difficult to implement as most preoperative evaluations occur only a few days prior to surgery. Some of the Ayurvedic preparations have shown to improve the patient outcome when taken during the perioperative period. Hence, the conservative stance by ASA may not always benefit the patient. More scientific studies are needed to have more targeted recommendations. This article puts forward the facts that need to be addressed by researchers in the future.