FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF AN EGGSHELL AND TULSI (OCIMUM SANCTUM) BASED TOOTHPASTE

The present study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of a herbal toothpaste incorporating eggshell powder and Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi). Eggshell, a natural source of calcium carbonate, was utilized for its mild abrasive and remineralizing properties, while Tulsi was selected for its well-known antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. The objective of this research was to develop an effective, safe, and economical herbal toothpaste as an alternative to conventional formulations containing synthetic ingredients. The toothpaste was prepared using standard formulation techniques with varying concentrations of eggshell powder and Tulsi extract in three different batches. The prepared formulations were evaluated for various physicochemical parameters including organoleptic properties, pH, spreadability, abrasiveness, foamability. In addition, antimicrobial activity was assessed to determine the effectiveness of Tulsi against oral pathogens. The results indicated that all formulations exhibited acceptable physical characteristics, with pH values within the suitable range for oral use. The abrasiveness was found to be moderate, confirming the suitability of eggshell powder as a natural abrasive agent. The presence of Tulsi contributed to significant antimicrobial activity. Among the batches, the optimized formulation showed the best balance of consistency, stability, and efficacy. In conclusion, the formulated eggshell and Tulsi-based toothpaste demonstrated promising results as a natural, cost-effective, and eco-friendly oral care product. This study supports the potential use of herbal and natural materials in developing safe and effective dental formulations.