Assessment of Concentration of Licorice (Mulethi) Crystals and Ajwain Flower Extract Crystals to Be Used as a Chairside Herbal Disinfectant for Chairside Sterilisation of Orthodontic Wires: In Vitro Study.

Abstract

Introduction: The use of fixed orthodontic appliances increases the risk of gingival inflammation and microbial contamination due to biofilm accumulation. Preformed NiTi or stainless-steel wires, which are often handled prior to sterilisation, are susceptible to contamination. While chemical disinfectants like chlorhexidine are effective, they have notable side effects such as staining. Due to increasing resistance of pathogens such as E. coli and S. aureus and the limitations of conventional agents, this study aims to assess the antimicrobial efficacy of Licorice (Mulethi) and Ajwain extracts at various concentrations for disinfecting orthodontic wires.

Objectives: The study aimed to formulate and evaluate herbal disinfectants containing Trachyspermum ammi and Glycyrrhiza glabra at different concentrations for the effective disinfection of preformed NiTi archwires.

Methods: Herbal formulations of 5%, 10%, and 20% concentration were prepared using standardized Licorice and Ajwain extracts. Their efficacy was tested on Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli using Mueller-Hinton agar and orthodontic wires. Control was 70% alcohol.