COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF THE ANTIMICROBIAL EFFICACY OF TRIPHALA AND CENTELLA ASIATICA AGAINST CARIOGENIC BIOFILMFORMING BACTERIA USING MBC TESTING: AN IN VITRO STUDY"

Background: Herbal remedies offer natural alternatives to conventional antimicrobials in dentistry. Triphala and Centella asiatica have shown potential against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei, two major contributors to dental caries. Aim: This study aimed to assess and compare the antimicrobial efcacy of Triphala and Centella asiatica extracts against cariogenic biolm-forming organisms. An in vitro Materials And Methods: experimental study was conducted using MBC assays to determine antibacterial effects. Biolm inhibition and disruption were evaluated via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Chlorhexidine was used as the control. Results: Both herbal formulations showed signicant antibacterial effects. Triphala displayed greater inhibition of bacterial adhesion and biolm formation than Centella asiatica, as conrmed by lower MBC values. SEM imaging supported these ndings. Triphala an Conclusion: d Centella asiatica possess notable antimicrobial activity and may serve as effective agents in natural oral hygiene products. Further clinical validation is recommended.