Background & Aims: Nowadays, due to the occurrence of bacterial resistance phenomenon against antibiotics and side effects of these drugs, herbs that possess antimicrobial activity have been noticed more than before. The aim of this study was to compare the antimicrobial effects of different concentrations of miswak extract with chlorhexidine 0.2% on Lactobacillus acidofillus, Streptococcus Mitts, Actinomyces Viscosus.

Materials & Methods: In this laboratory study, the antimicrobial effect of miswak extract was determined on above mentioned bacteria. Alcoholic extract of miswak was prepared, and then four different concentrations (

    ) were prepared. These bacteria were cultured on culture medium of brain heart infusion Agar. Within each culture plate was placed a disc of one of concentrations of miswak extract, a disc of chlorhexidine 0.2%, a disc of tetracycline as positive controls, and a disc of distilled water as negative controls. After 48 hours, each of concentrations of miswak extract were compared with the mean of inhibition zone diameter in chlorhexidine 0.2%, tetracycline, and distilled water using one-way ANOVA.

Results: The mean of inhibition zone diameter around the discs of miswak tree extract in all concentration was significantly less than chlorhexidine 0.2%. (P<0.0001)

Conclusion: Alcoholic extract of miswak tree has significant antimicrobial effect on above bacteria in comparison with chlorhexidine 0.2%. 

SOURCE: URMIA MED J 2014: 25(7): 622 ISSN: 1027-3727