Antibacterial effectiveness of ethanolic extract of Acacia catechu bark and Azadirachta indica leaf against streptococcus mutans - A comparative in vitro study

Acacia catechu & Azadirachta indica (neem) is used as an phytomedicine since antiquity for treatment of diarrhea, bleeding gums, oro dental infections etc. In our present study the anti bacterial activity of Acacia catechu bark ethanolic extract and Azadirachta indica ethanolic leaf extract were tested against streptococcus mutans that commonly causes dental plaque/caries in fixed orthodontic appliances patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Anti bacterial activity was examined by determining the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) using Macro dilution broth technique. Acacia catechu ethanolic extract exhibited significant antibacterial activity against the bacterial strain tested at various concentrations when compared to Azadirachta indica leaf extract.