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 100μg/ml dilution in four samples for Pg and at 0.2μg/ml dilution in one sample. Antibacterial property was noted at 0.4μg/ml 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.