Year : 2024

Volume : Volume 16

Issue : Issue 5

Address for correspondence :
Satyawati Biradar
ghogaresatyawati@gmail.com

Abstract

Introduction: To evaluate the effect of 4% Ocimum sanctum (in the form of a test gel) on human salivary amylase activity and to compare it with 1% Chlorhexidine digluconate gel in 6–12-year-old children. Materials and Methods: The present randomized controlled trial was conducted among 75 Primary school children of age 6–12 years. Children were selected by a simple random sampling technique and they were divided equally into three groups. Group A was treated by 4% O. sanctum gel, Group B by 1% Chlorhexidine digluconate gel, and Group C by placebo gel. Test gel was applied to the subjects. The gel was applied by the Tray technique method for 4 min. The saliva samples were collected within 2–3 min of application. All samples were then stored in a chamber at a temperature of −20°C until further processing. Results: The Mean age of participants was 10.60 ± 1.19 years. Mean Transmittance rate in Group A (4% O. sanctum gel) was 0.038 ± 0.001 and Mean Transmittance rate in Groups B and C were 0.053 ± 0.0006 and 0.057 ± 0.001, respectively. There was a significant difference in the transmittance rate between Groups A, B, and C (P < 0.05). Intragroup comparison between Groups A and B showed a significant difference in the transmittance rate (P < 0.05). The same was found between Groups B and C and Groups A and C (P < 0.05). Conclusion: 4% O. sanctum gel tremendously reduces the quantity of salivary amylase. Salivary amylase is one of the caries-inducing enzymes. Regular application of 4% O. sanctum gel in 6–12 years of children will help in reducing dental caries. Chlorhexidine also helps in reducing the salivary amylase, but not effective as 4% O. sanctum gel.