ANTIMICROBIAL EFFICACY OF HEMIGRAPHIS COLORATA ETHANOLIC EXTRACT AGAINST CARIOGENIC BACTERIA ASSOCIATED WITH PRIMARY TEETH: AN IN VITRO STUDY

Background:-Dental caries is one of the most prevalent oral diseases affecting children worldwide, with Streptococcus mutans and other cariogenic microorganisms playing a major role in its initiation and progression. Increasing interest has been directed towards natural plant based products due to their antimicrobial potential and biocompatibility. Hemigraphis colorata, a medicinal plant traditionally used for its therapeutic properties, contains various phytoconstituents that may exhibit antibacterial activity. Aim:-To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of Hemigraphis colorata ethanolic extract against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus isolated from primary teeth. Materials and Methods:-An ethanolic extract of Hemigraphis colorata was prepared, and its antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus. The antibacterial efficacy of the extract was assessed using appropriate microbiological methods and the zone of inhibition. The obtained results were compared to evaluate the antibacterial potential of the plant extract.