Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Microbial Property of Ginseng Root Extract – An in Vitro Study

Abstract

Background: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) and secondary oral ulcers are painful inflammatory ulcers that interfere with eating and speech. Steroid therapy is beneficial for the majority of patients but relapses and tolerance issues prompt attention towards botanical adjuncts that can not only reduce inflammation but suppress secondary microbial load .Panax ginseng root contains ginsenosides with wound-healing and anti-inflammatory activity as well as some antibacterial action against oral pathogens. This research was conducted to evaluate the in-vitro anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial potential of a ginseng root extract (GRX) for potential topical use in oral ulcers.

Methods: Inhibition of heat-albumin denaturation by anti-inflammatory activity was assayed (10–160 µL/mL) using salicylic acid as a reference compound. Inhibition of microbial growth was assayed by well diffusion on Mueller–Hinton agar according to CLSI for bacteria and CLSI M44 for yeasts against Streptococcus mutans, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans.

Results: GRX inhibited albumin denaturation in concentration-dependent manner: 40.56 ± 0.25%, 51.45 ± 0.36%, 53.43 ± 0.06%, 54.80 ± 0.46% and 66.48 ± 2.19% at 10, 20, 40, 80 and 160 µL/mL, respectively; salicylic acid rose from 50.92 ± 0.96% to 73.03 ± 5.30% over the same concentration range. In diffusion assays, zones (mm) were: S. mutans—amikacin 21; GRX 18 (50 µg), 16 (100 µg). E. coli—chloramphenicol 22; GRX 19 (50 µg), 22 (100 µg). S. aureus—amikacin 20; GRX 21 (50 µg), 16 (100 µg). C. albicans—fluconazole 31 and GRX 0 at both doses.

Conclusion: GRX shows meaningful anti-inflammatory activity approaching salicylate at higher concentrations and selective antibacterial effects (notably against E. coli), with no antifungal activity against C. albicans. These data vindicate GRX as a steroid-sparing adjunctive agent for oral-ulcer management, optimally in combination with antifungal protection when candidiasis risk is present .