TITLE:
Evaluation of Topical Application of Vajradanti Gel in Prevention of Gingivitis
AUTHORS:
Anjani Kumar Pathak, Vibha Singh, Mahesh Pal, Tripti Mishra, Kopal Goel, Vaibhav Sheel Gupta
KEYWORDS:
Vajradanti, Chronic Gingivitis, Barleria prionitis L., Bio Film, Plaque
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Stomatology,
Vol.7 No.2,
February
9,
2017
ABSTRACT: Vajradanti means strong teeth in Hindi. The medicinal properties of Vajradanti plant are well reported in Ayurveda. Its botanical name is Barleria prionitis L. and it belongs to family Acanthaecae. The use of herbal products in the field of medicine has gained popularity in recent years. In India, herbal plants are used as a regular source of medicine. Plants, such as Turmeric, Ashoka and Triphala, are some common household names being widely used nowadays. One such name is Barleria prionitis L. or Vajradanti, having anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory and anti-fertility properties. The leaves of this flower are also believed to provide relief in tooth ache. So these properties lead us to the use of this shrub in the remedy of dental diseases. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Periodontology, in collaboration with the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dental Sciences, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, India and N.B.R.I. Lucknow. A total of 80 subjects, from age group 20 - 50 years, were selected. The study unit consisted of patients of chronic gingivitis. Simple random sampling, utilizing computer generated random numbers, was employed to assign the participants to two groups, “I” and “II”, each having 40 participants. In patients of Group-I scaling and root planing was performed, whereas in patients of Group-II, scaling and root planing was performed and subjects were advised to apply Vajradanti gel twice daily after brushing. Statistical Analysis: Data were summarized as mean ± SD. Pre and post outcome results of two groups were compared by the paired t-test. Conclusions: Based on the observations and results of our study, it can be concluded that scaling and root planing remains the gold standard for the treatment of gingival and periodontal diseases while the Vajradanti gel (Barleria prionitis L.) can be effectively used as an adjunct to mechanical plaque control in prevention of chronic gingivitis. The beneficial effect of Vajradanti can be attributed to its anti inflammatory properties.