Comparative evaluation of antimicrobial and anti-gingivitis effect of Ocimum tenuiflorum Linn. gel with 0.2% chlorhexidine gel – Randomized controlled clinical trial

Objectives: The phytochemical composition of Ocimum tenuiflorum is highly complex and enriched with nutrients and other biologically active compounds. The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to explore the antimicrobial and anti-gingivitis property of 2 % O. tenuiflorum extract gel with 0.2 % chlorhexidine gel on patients diagnosed with dental plaque induced gingival inflammation as an adjunct to oral prophylaxis. Materials and methods: 60 patients diagnosed with moderate to severe form of gingivitis, fulfilling the inclusion criteria participated in this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Following oral prophylaxis, the subjects were randomly dispensed with one of the test gels i.e., Group A – 0.2 % Chlorhexidine gel (n = 20), Group B – placebo gel (n = 20), Group C –2% O. tenuiflorum gel (n = 20) for 15 days. Clinical indices (Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI) and modified Sulcus Bleeding index (mSBI)) and microbiological parameters were recorded at baseline, 15 days, and 3 months. Results: All 3 groups exhibited a reduction in clinical (PI, GI, mSBI) and microbiological parameters (p < 0.001). O. tenuiflorum gel and chlorhexidine gel showed a statistically significant improvement in gingival health as compared to the placebo gel at all study time intervals. An increase in clinical parameters were observed from the 15th day to the 3rd month recall interval. However, it did not return to pre-treatment levels. The present study revealed that O. tenuiflorum gel was equally effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis compared to standard chlorhexidine gel within the study timelines. Conclusion: O. tenuiflorum gel has shown enhanced effects on gingival health due to its therapeutic properties and may be considered an alternative adjunct to mechanical plaque control therapy.