Biomedical Research

This study was to evaluate the effect of Scutellariae radix extract on periodontal disease. A 500 g of Scutellariae radix was added to 70% methanol and extracted for 3 h, followed by filtration and freeze drying. The freeze dried specimen was added to 10% Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) solution, and the diluted solution was used in this study, which was conducted after obtaining the approval of the IRB of Inje University (No. 2-1041024-AB-N-01-20140514-HR-055-04; approval date: 2014-08-27). The study enrolled patients without systemic disease or drawbacks with data collection. They visited the M Dentist Office located in Busan from September 2015 to January 2016. They were equally divided into three groups. The 10 subjects were placed in 0.9% saline (JW Pharmaceutical Corporation) gargle group, 10 subjects were placed in 0.005% chlorhexidine (Bukwang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) gargle group, and 10 subjects were placed in 10% Scutellaria root gargle group. The periodontal disease variables for the groups prior to the gargle treatment were the same. Each group gargled a 15 ml solution for 1 min and expectorated for 1 min until there was no gargle solution left. The bacterial count was calculated by using a phase contrast microscope and the O’Leary index. As seen with the naked eye, the O’Leary index was reduced in the order of saline gargle group, chlorhexidine gargle group, and Scutellaria root gargle group, and the gap among the groups was distinct (p<0.005). However, for the active bacteria, Spirochaeta, the chlorhexidine gargle group and Scutellaria root gargle group showed a similar effect, and their gap was not statistically significant (p>0.005). Since many side effects are reported on the chemical solution, chlorhexidine, substituting it with natural Scutellaria root gargle solution will enable a safe and efficient oral care.

Author(s): Yu-Rin Kim, Seoul-Hee Nam
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