Comparative evaluation of antiplaque and antigingivitis effect of 3% Murraya koenigii mouthwash versus 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash: A randomized double-blinded controlled trial

Introduction: Control of supragingival plaque has been the mainstay in the primary and secondary prevention of periodontal diseases. Due to the difficulty in achieving adequate plaque control by mechanical means, there is a great interest in the use of antimicrobial agents to replace or to be used as adjuncts to mechanical approaches. Herbal products are considered as an interesting alternative to synthetic antimicrobials due to their distinctive advantages. Murraya koenigii is one such herb which not only adds aroma to our food but also has a huge panorama of antimicrobial, antioxidative, and cytotoxic properties. Aim: The aim of the study is to comparatively evaluate the effectiveness of 3% M. koenigii and 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) mouthwash in the reduction of plaque and gingivitis in patients suffering from mild to moderate gingivitis. Materials and Methods: Forty-five participants participating in this study were divided into three groups and underwent Phase I therapy on the first visit. Patients were recalled after 7 days; Group M, Group C, and Group P participants were instructed to use 3% M. koenigii, 0.2% CHX, and placebo mouthwash respectively, twice a day, for a minute for 2 weeks as an adjunct to mechanical plaque control. Turesky–Glickman–Gilmore modification of Quigley Hein plaque index (PI) and modified gingival index (GI) were recorded at baseline (7th day) and at the end of the study (22nd day). Student's paired t-test and one-way analysis of variance test, post hoc analysis were used for intra and intergroup comparison of parameters, respectively. Results: The results of the study showed that all the Groups M, C, P showed a statistically significant difference in gingival scores with a mean difference of 0.438 ± 0.234, 0.408 ± 0.388, 0.425 ± 0.237, respectively, when compared with baseline. Plaque scores for Group M and Group C were statistically significant with mean difference of 0.878 ± 0.433 and 1.090 ± 0.613, respectively. However, the mean change in PI and GI scores between the Groups M, P, and K was statistically nonsignificant. Conclusion: M. koenigii mouthwash is equally effective as CHX, in the reduction of plaque and gingivitis.