Evaluation of Antimicrobial Effectiveness of Lemongrass, Ash Gourd, Watermelon, Guava Extracts, Chlorhexidine Against Streptococcus mutans: An In Vitro Study.

Introduction The oral cavity holds a vital role, as it harbors diverse microbial communities, with Streptococcus mutans being a major contributor to dental caries. While antimicrobial agents such as chlorhexidine target oral bacteria, their use may lead to genotoxic effects, highlighting the need for safer alternatives. This study investigates the antimicrobial properties of lemongrass, ash gourd, watermelon, and guava against S. mutans. Materials and methodology Extracts of lemongrass, ash gourd, watermelon, and guava were evaluated using the well diffusion method, measuring the zone of inhibition around each well. Each extract was tested in triplicate for effective individual assessment of results. Results Lemongrass extract demonstrated the highest zone of inhibition at 28 mm, followed by guava extract at 22 mm. In contrast, watermelon and ash gourd extracts showed no inhibitory activity. Conclusion Lemongrass exhibits the strongest antimicrobial efficacy against S. mutans, with guava as a secondary option, while watermelon and ash gourd were ineffective. Further clinical trials are recommended to explore lemongrass and guava as potential antimicrobial agents in oral health management.