Evaluation of the efficacy of herbal (neem) and chemical (chlorhexidine) chips as local drug delivery agents in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: A clinical and microbiological study

Context: Herbal remedies can be effective in controlling periodontal disease. Neem is gaining attention as a reliable alternative to pharmaceuticals. Aims: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of chlorhexidine (CHX) and neem chips (NCs) when used with scaling and root planing (SRP). Settings and Design: The study design involves interventional prospective study. Methods: A total of 45 periodontal pockets were divided into three groups of 15 sites each. Included both males and females of age group 35–55 years. Group I–SRP alone, Group II–SRP and CHXC, and Group III–SRP and NC. Parameters evaluated were plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). A qualitative multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay aided in detecting red complex organisms. Statistical Analysis Used: Evaluated at baseline, 10 th day, and 1 month. Kruskal–Wallis test and Mann–Whitney U -test were used for the analysis. Results: There was a noticeable variation in the PPD at the start between the SRP, NC, and CHX groups. However, no significant differences were observed in other aspects such as the PI, GI, CAL, and the presence of Porphyromonas , Treponema , and Tannerella bacteria at the baseline, 10 th day, and 30 th day. Conclusions: All groups improved clinically, but no statistical difference was found in all clinical and microbiological parameters from baseline to day 30. Trial registration: https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/login.php.Date registered 21/10/2020.reg no.CTRI/2020/10/028532.