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Clinical Effectiveness of Ocimum basilicum Mouthwash as an Adjunct to Toothbrushing in Managing Patients With Plaque-Induced Gingivitis: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

  • 2025-12-09
  • International journal of dental hygiene 24(2)
    • Atrey J Pai Khot
    • Anu Sara Varghese
    • Anil V Ankola
    • Roopali M Sankeshwari
    • Vinuta Hampiholi
    • Kishori P Sutar
    • Prajakta J Chavan
    • Ram Surath Kumar

Study Design

Type
Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Sample size
n = 35
Population
70 adult patients with plaque-induced gingivitis
Methods
parallel-arm, double-blinded, randomised controlled trial; 30% Ocimum basilicum mouthwash vs 0.2% Chlorhexidine mouthwash as adjunct to toothbrushing
Blinding
Double-blind
Duration
21 days
Funding
Unclear

Background

Among the several antiseptic mouthwashes, chlorhexidine is considered the gold standard owing to its better antigingivitis and antiplaque benefits; yet, its usage is restricted due to noteworthy adverse effects leading to an increasing demand for herbal alternatives that are natural, and have fewer side effects. The objective of the study was to assess the short-term effect of 30% Ocimum basilicum (OB) and 0.2% Chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwashes on gingival health and plaque control when used as an adjunct to toothbrushing in patients with plaque-induced gingivitis.

Methodology

A parallel-arm, double-blinded, randomised controlled trial was conducted among 70 adult patients. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups: 30% OB mouthwash group (n = 35) and 0.2% CHX mouthwash group (n = 35) by the lottery method. Both participants and the examiner were blinded throughout the study period. The gingival index, plaque index and adverse effects were recorded at baseline, 7th and 21st day. Unpaired t-tests and repeated measures ANOVA tests were utilised to compare the mean gingival and plaque scores between the groups.

Results

Both groups exhibited a gradual and significant reduction in both gingival and plaque scores from baseline to days 7 and 21 (p < 0.001). However, the CHX group showed a significant reduction in GI (0.48 ± 0.18) and PI (0.59 ± 0.14) from baseline to 21 days, respectively when compared to the OB group GI (0.72 ± 0.22) and PI (0.77 ± 0.19).

Conclusion

OB mouthwash demonstrated non-inferiority in anti-gingivitis and anti-plaque properties compared to CHX mouthwash, suggesting its potential suitability as an alternative to CHX when used alongside mechanical plaque control measures in the management of gingivitis.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: CTRI/2022/07/044104.

Research Insights

  • Basil→Reduced Gingival Index

    Both groups exhibited a gradual and significant reduction in both gingival and plaque scores from baseline to days 7 and 21 (p < 0.001). However, the CHX group showed a significant reduction in GI (0.48 ± 0.18) and PI (0.59 ± 0.14) from baseline to 21 days, respectively when compared to the OB group GI (0.72 ± 0.22) and PI (0.77 ± 0.19).

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Small
  • Basil→Reduced Plaque Index

    Both groups exhibited a gradual and significant reduction in both gingival and plaque scores from baseline to days 7 and 21 (p < 0.001). However, the CHX group showed a significant reduction in GI (0.48 ± 0.18) and PI (0.59 ± 0.14) from baseline to 21 days, respectively when compared to the OB group GI (0.72 ± 0.22) and PI (0.77 ± 0.19).

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Small
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