Assessment of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Mulethi and Guava Leaf Extract Gels against Periodontal Pathogens in Localised Aggressive Periodontitis

Abstract Introduction: Localised aggressive periodontitis (LAP) is a rapidly progressive form of periodontitis affecting systemically healthy adolescents and young adults. Herbal agents such as Glycyrrhiza glabra (mulethi) and Psidium guajava (guava) are known for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aims to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of mulethi and guava leaf extract gels against key periodontal pathogens in LAP. Materials and Methods: A randomised controlled trial involving 60 patients aged 18–50 years with clinically diagnosed LAP was conducted at VYWS Dental College, Amravati. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: Group A received mulethi extract gel, and Group B received guava leaf extract gel. The antimicrobial activity of both gels was assessed in vitro using the agar well diffusion method against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis . Zones of inhibition were measured at baseline, 3 months and 6 months. Data were statistically analysed using ANOVA and t -tests, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Both herbal gels demonstrated statistically significant antimicrobial activity against P . gingivalis and A . actinomycetemcomitans over time ( P < 0.0001). Mulethi extract gel showed consistently superior antibacterial effects at all time intervals. At 6 months, the zone of inhibition for P . gingivalis was 11.23 ± 0.70 mm in Group A versus 10.2 ± 0.52 mm in Group B; for A . actinomycetemcomitans , it was 25.07 ± 0.96 mm versus 23.08 ± 0.91 mm, respectively. Conclusion: Mulethi extract gel revealed significantly higher antimicrobial efficacy compared to guava leaf extract gel in managing localised aggressive periodontitis.