Comparative Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy of Nigella Sativa (0.1%) Mouthwash and Chlorhexidine Gluconate (0.2%) in subjects with Gingivitis: A Randomised Control Trial

Abstract

Gingivitis, the most common periodontal disease caused by plaque biofilm, often requires adjunctive chemotherapeutic agents alongside mechanical plaque control for effective management, and Nigella sativa (black seed) emerges as a promising natural option due to its wide range of therapeutic properties. The objectives were  to evaluate and compare the anti-plaque and anti- inflammatory efficacy of Nigella sativa (0.1%) mouthwash on reactive oxygen metabolites levels in the saliva with chlorhexidine gluconate (0.2%) mouthwash in patient with gingivitis. In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 48 subjects were randomly assigned to two groups with 24 subjects in each group, Group I received Scaling + Nigella sativa (0.1%) mouthwash and Group II received Scaling + Chlorhexidine gluconate (0.2%) mouthwash. Clinical parameters Plaque index (PI), Gingival index (GI), collection of saliva samples was done at baseline and after four weeks. On Intergroup comparison, the mean PI, GI values exhibited no statistically significant difference [PI (P=0.93) and GI (P=0.89)]. Whereas On Intergroup comparison for the mean ROM levels, statistically significant difference [P= <0.001*] was noted between two groups. Thus Nigella sativa (0.1%) mouthwash, as a plaque control agent was found to be comparable in plaque reduction to that of chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash (0.2%) and can be used for the treatment of gingivitis.