Preparation of Mouthwash using Ficus benghalensis Assisted Silver Nanoparticles and a Comparative Analysis of Its Antimicrobial Activity

Aim: The aim of this study is to prepare a mouthwash using Ficus benghalensis mediated silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and analysing its antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens

Introduction: Nanotechnology deals with the particles which are less than 100 nm and have important roles in medicines, industries, drug gene delivery. Different parts of the F. benghalensis show medicinal properties. Leaves are used for ulcers, aerial roots are used in gonorrhoea, seeds and fruits are used for dysentery, diarrhoea and diabetes. F. benghalensis have been reported to have immunomodulatory, antibacterial activity and are used to treat toothache.

Materials and methods: In the present study, the silver nanoparticles were synthesized from Ficus benghalensis plant extract. The preparation of plant extract was done using commercially available F. benghalensis leaves powder for the synthesis process. The mouthwash was prepared using 1 mM of silver nitrate. The prepared nanoparticles were confirmed using a UV-vis spectrophotometer. Different concentrates of the synthesised Ficus benghalensis mediated silver nanoparticles were tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans using agar well diffusion method and MIC will be determined.

Results: It has been observed that the antimicrobial effect of the prepared Ag NPs was almost similar against all the organisms used in the study with a maximum zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus. It has also been observed that the antimicrobial activity of the AgNPs increased with increasing concentration.

Conclusion: As the synthesised F. benghalensis assisted silver nanoparticle mouthwash showed potent antimicrobial activity in vitro against the oral microbes: S. aureus, S. mutans, E. faecalis, C. albicans, in vivo studies are needed further to evaluate the antimicrobial effect.