Comparative embryonic toxicology evaluation of Ocimum tenuiflorum and Ocimum gratissimum herbal formulation based oral rinse and commercial oral rinse

Herbal-based oral care products are gaining attention as safer alternatives to commercial oral rinses. This study evaluates the embryotoxic effects of a herbal-based oral rinse compared to a commercial oral rinse using zebrafish embryos. The objective was to assess differences in hatching and viability rates and the safety profiles of these products. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos were exposed to varying concentrations (5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 μg/mL) of both oral rinses and were monitored over 96 hr for hatching rates and viability, evaluated using standard microscopy at 24 hr intervals. The herbal oral rinse showed a gradual decline in hatching and viability rates with increasing concentrations. At 40 μg/mL, the hatching rate was 80 %, which decreased to 60 % at 80 μg/mL. The commercial oral rinse showed a hatching rate dropping to 60 % at 40 μg/mL and 40 % at 80 μg/mL. Viability rates followed a similar trend, with the herbal rinse maintaining 80 % viability at higher concentrations, while the commercial rinse reduced viability to 60 % at the same concentrations. The results indicate that the herbal oral rinse has a lower embryotoxic profile compared to the commercial oral rinse. The higher hatching and viability rates seen with the herbal formulation suggest it may be a safer option for oral applications. The Ocimum tenuiflorum and Ocimum gratissimum herbal oral rinse exhibited lower toxicity to zebrafish embryos compared to the commercial oral rinse, making it a safer alternative for oral care.