Evaluation of antimicrobial properties of acacia catechu (Khadir): an in-vitro studyEvaluation of antimicrobial properties of acacia catechu(Khadir): an in-vitro study

Context Acacia catechu has got antimicrobial property. The evaluation of this property against periodontal pathogens may open new doors to treatment modalities of gingivitis and periodontitis.Aims To evaluate the antimicrobial property of Acacia catechu Khadir against periodontal pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis Pg and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans Aa in subgingival plaque samples of generalized periodontitis patients. Settings and Design Prospective observational microbiological in-vitro.Methods and Material Subgingival plaque samples of generalized periodontitis patients were collected and the two pathogens were isolated and cultured. Herbal extract was prepared in accordance with principles of Ayurveda. Antimicrobial activity was determined by minimal inhibitory concentration MIC and time kill assay.Statistical analysis used None.Results The water extract of Acacia catechu showed antibacterial property at 100mugml dilution in four samples for Pg and at 0.2mugml dilution in one sample. Antibacterial property was noted at 0.4mugml dilution in four samples for Aa by MIC. Bacteriostatic effect against Pg and Aa was observed by time kill assay. Conclusions Acacia catechu bark extract exhibited antimicrobial activity against Pg and Aa. The extract also exhibited bacteriostatic effect against Pg and Aa till two hour.nbsp