Novel Antibacterial Activity and Time Kill Kinetics of Ethanolic Extract of Ipomea marginata against Select Oral Micro-organisms Causing Gingivitis-An in vitro Study

Background: Leaves of the plant Ipomea marginata is commonly used in Indian folklore medicine to treat skin infections however the antibacterial property of Ipomea marginata against oral microorganisms causing gingivitis and periodontitis has not been explored till date. Hence, the present study is planned to compare and evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of ethanolic extract of Ipomea marginata with 0.2% chlorhexidine mouth wash on select oral microorganisms. Materials and Methods: Phytochemical screening of ethanolic extract of leaves of Ipomea marginata showed significant levels of secondary metabolites accountable for the antibacterial property of the leaves. Identification of the volatile constituents of the leaves of Ipomea margianta was carried out using GC-MS and nine volatile compounds were identified. Antibacterial activity of ethanolic extract of Ipomea marginata was evaluated against S. mutans, T. denticola, T. forsythia and P. gingivalis which are the chief organisms indicated in the etiology of plaque induced gingivitis. The zone of inhibition and minimum inhibitory concentration was determined by disc diffusion and broth dilution method respectively and compared with gold standard 0.2% chlorhexidine. Time kills kinetics of test pathogens at 6, 12, 18 and 24 hr was also determined. The herbal extract exhibited statistically significant antibacterial property compared to standard chlorhexidine by agar disc diffusion method. Results: The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) for the herbal extract for S. mutans, P. gingivalis, T. denticola and T. forsythia was 6.25 μg/ mL, 100 μg/mL, 100 μg/mL and 50 μg/mL, respectively and for 0.2% chlorhexidine it was 25 μg/ mL, 12.5 μg/mL, 200 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL respectively. Time kills kinetics revealed bactericidal activity of ethanolic extract of Ipomea marginata against oral microorganisms causing gingivitis in a time dependent manner. Conclusion: Ethanolic extract of leaves of Ipomea marginata showed promising antibacterial activity compared to standard 0.2% chlorhexidine mouth wash.