MICROBICIDAL EFFECT OF Emblica officinalis ON BLACK PIGMENTED BACTERIA IN PATIENTS WITH PERI-IMPLANT MUCOSITIS

Emblica officinalis (Amla) is very rich in phenolics and is widely available in the Indian market. The strong antioxidant activity of the phenolics and their ability to protect cells against oxidative damage caused by free radicals is well established. Phenolics are the major chemical constituents of Amla and these substances have strong antioxidant properties and might contribute to the healthy effects of Amla. The purpose of this study is to check the microbicidal effect of Emblica officinalis on black-pigmented bacteria in peri-implant mucositis. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the microbicidal effect of Emblica officinalis on black-pigmented bacteria in patients with peri- implant mucositis. The microbicidal effect of Emblica officinalis was determined using a culture method. 40 patients were divided into 2 groups with 20 patients in each group. Group A received Chlorhexidine mouthwash while Group B received Amla extract. 2 separate samples were taken between duration of 5 days. The samples were obtained from the buccal surface of the implants with a periodontal probe and were transported in sterile test tubes containing 1ml saline. Trypsicated soya agar broth with hemin and menadione was used for anaerobic culture with a gas pack. Both Chlorhexidine and Amla showed a significant reduction in total bacterial count and reduction in black-pigmented bacteria. Despite the fact that the Amla extract was not a pure compound, the antimicrobial results were obtained. This recommends the potency of these extracts. The figment of the derivation of antimicrobial compounds from plants seems lucrative as it will lead to the development of a phytomedicine to act against microbes.