Nano-based mouthwash containing white basil essential oil a potent alternative for oral hygiene
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Abstract
Background and Objectives: White basil (Ocimum gratissimum L. Lamiaceae) essential oil exhibits potent antibacterial effects but its aqueous insolubility and high volatility restrict its applications. This study aimed to develop a nanodispersed mouthwash containing white basil essential oil, optimizing of surfactant/co-surfactant type and ratio, assess its physicochemical stability and antibacterial efficacy against Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175.
Materials and Methods: Formulations combining white basil essential oil, Tween-80, isopropanol, Labrasol and water were prepared. Particle size, zeta potential, and pH were measured. Stability was evaluated under accelerated (40°C, 75% RH) and stressed (60°C, 75% RH) conditions over three months. Antimicrobial efficacy was assessed via minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) after 30-second exposure.
Results: Characterization of the optimized formulation revealed an average particle size of 128 nm, neutral zeta potential, pH 3.42. Stability testing demonstrated thermodynamic resistance under all storage conditions for three months without phase separation or significant size change. The MBC against Streptococcus mutans was 0.4% w/v essential oil following 30 seconds of exposure. A corresponding mouthwash with 0.4% w/v essential oil demonstrated equivalent bactericidal activity.
Conclusion: Nanodispersion offers a promising strategy for white basil essential oil in mouthwash formulations. The developed formulation shows favorable stability and rapid bactericidal action, supporting further evaluation for clinical and commercial development.
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16. Ahmed J, Alazemi A, T B B. Encapsulation of Cinnamon and Thyme Essential Oils in γ-Cyclodextrin: Studies on tribology and rheology of diluted emulsions and morphologies of Encapsulates. ACS Food Sci Technol 2024; 4: 1904-1915.
17. Sartoratto A, Machado A, Delarmelina C, Figueira G, Duarte M, Rehder V. Composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oils from aromatic plants used in Brazil. Braz J Microbiol 2004; 35: 275-280.
18. Nweze EI, Eze EE. Justification for the use of Ocimum gratissimum L. in herbal medicine and its interaction with disc antibiotics. BMC Complement Altern Med 2009; 9: 37.
19. Tanko Y, Magaji GM, Yerima M, Magaji RA, Mohammed A. Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous leaves extract of Ocimum gratissimum (Labiate) in rodents. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med 2008; 5: 141-146.
20. Xu JS, Li Y, Cao X, Cui Y. The effect of eugenol on the cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans and dental caries development in rats. Exp Ther Med 2013; 5: 1667-1670.
21. Cherdchom S, Keawsongsaeng W, Buasorn W, Rimsueb N, Pienpinijtham P, Sereemaspun A, et al. Development of Eugenol-Embedded calcium citrate Nanoparticles as a local Anesthetic agent. ACS Omega 2021; 6: 28880-28889.
22. Lan Q, Zhang X, Liang J, Wang W, Lv L, He J, et al. Multifunctional polyeugenol-based nanoparticles with antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Particuology 2024; 87: 194-204.
23. Keshari R, Tharmatt A, Pillai MM, Chitkara D, Tayalia P, Banerjee R, et al. Eugenol-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles-Derived Hydrogels Ameliorate Psoriasis-like skin Lesions by Lowering Oxidative stress and modulating inflammation. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7: 3592-3606.
24. Woranuch S, Yoksan R. Eugenol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles: I. Thermal stability improvement of eugenol through encapsulation. Carbohydr Polym 2013; 96: 578-585.
25. Cheliku N, Karanfilova IC, Stefkov G, Karapandzova M, Bardhi N, Qazimi B, et al. Essential oil composition of five Basil cultivars (Ocimum basilicum) from Albania. Maced Pharm Bull 2015; 61: 11-18.
26. Raina AP, Kumar A, Dutta M. Chemical characterization of aroma compounds in essential oil isolated from “Holy Basil” (Ocimum tenuiflorum L.) grown in India. Genet Resour Crop Evol 2013; 60: 1727-1735.
27. Kriegel C, Festag M, Kishore RSK, Roethlisberger D, Schmitt G. Pediatric safety of polysorbates in drug formulations. Children (Basel) 2019; 7: 1.
28. Huy NM.Formulation of microemulsion containing Perilla essential oil (Perilla frutescens L.). Pham Ngoc Thach J Med Pharm 2023; 3: 156-163.
29. Batista DG, Sganzerla WG, da Silva LR, Vieira YGS, Almeida AR, Dominguini D, et al. Antimicrobial and cytotoxic potential of eucalyptus essential oil-based nanoemulsions for mouthwash application. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13: 942.
30. Nehavarshini V, Unnikrishnan S, Ramalingam K. Exploring the Potential of a Herbal Nanoemulsion as an Antimicrobial Mouthwash. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2023; 195: 5777-5791.
31. Haq N, Shahid M, Alaofi AL, Ahmad ZH, Alrayyes YF, Alsarra IA, et al. Evaluation of the physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of nanoemulsion-based polyherbal mouthwash. ACS Omega 2023; 8: 41755-41764.
32. Hou J, Ci H, Wang P, Wang C, Lv B, Miao L, et al. Nanoparticle tracking analysis versus dynamic light scattering: Case study on the effect of Ca2+ and alginate on the aggregation of cerium oxide nanoparticles. J Hazard Mater 2018; 360: 319-328.
33. Kim A, Ng WB, Bernt W, Cho NJ. Validation of size estimation of nanoparticle tracking analysis on Polydisperse macromolecule assembly. Sci Rep 2019; 9: 2639.
34. Chan MY, Dowling QM, Sivananthan SJ, Kramer RM. Particle sizing of nanoparticle adjuvant formulations by dynamic light Scattering (DLS) and Nanoparticle tracking Analysis (NTA). Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1494: 239-252.
35. Tzimas K, Antoniadou M, Varzakas T, Voidarou CC. Plant-Derived compounds: A promising tool for dental caries prevention. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46: 5257-5290.
36. Patel B, Kamineni Y, Gorityala S, Bindu MH. Advances in nanocarriers for drug delivery in dental therapies. Recent Prog Mater 2021; 3: 39.
37. Awlqadr FH, Majeed KR, Altemimi AB, Hassan AM, Qadir SA, Saeed MN, et al. Nanotechnology-based herbal medicine: Preparation, synthesis, and applications in food and medicine. J Agric Food Res 2025; 19: 101661.
2. Petersen PE. Sociobehavioural risk factors in dental caries - International perspectives. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2005; 33: 274-279.
3. Moran J, Addy M, Newcombe RG, Marlow I. A study to assess the plaque inhibitory action of a newly formulated triclosan toothpaste. J Clin Periodontol 2001; 28: 86-89.
4. Sakaue Y, Takenaka S, Ohsumi T, Domon H, Terao Y, Noiri Y. The effect of chlorhexidine on dental calculus formation: an in vitro study. BMC Oral Health 2018; 18: 52.
5. Lee SS, Zhang W, Li Y. The antimicrobial potential of 14 natural herbal dentifrices: Results of an in vitro diffusion method study. J Am Dent Assoc 2004; 135: 1133-1141.
6. Sastravaha G, Gassmann G, Sangtherapitikul P, Grimm W-D. Adjunctive periodontal treatment with Centella asiatica and Punica granatum extracts in supportive periodontal therapy. J Int Acad Periodontol 2005; 7: 70-79.
7. Dagli N, Dagli R. Possible use of essential oils in dentistry. J Int Oral Health 2014; 6: i–ii.
8. Rehman SU, Ahmad MM, Kazmi ZH, Raza MS. Physico-chemical variations in essential oils of Citrus reticulata. J Food Sci Technol 2007: 44; 353-356.
9. Prashar A, Locke IC, Evans CS. Cytotoxicity of lavender oil and its major components to human skin cells. Cell Prolif 2004; 37: 221-229.
10. Naveed R, Hussain I, Tawab A, Tariq M, Rahman M, Hameed S, et al. Antimicrobial activity of the bioactive components of essential oils from Pakistani spices against Salmonella and other multidrug-resistant bacteria. BMC Complement Altern Med 2013; 13: 265.
11. Chaieb K, Hajlaoui H, Zmantar T, Kahla-Nakbi AB, Rouabhia M, Mahdouani K, et al. The chemical composition and biological activity of clove essential oil, Eugenia caryophyllata (Syzigium aromaticum L. Myrtaceae): A short review. Phytother Res 2007; 21: 501-506.
12. Pereira TS, de Sant’anna JR, Silva EL, Pinheiro AL, de Castro-Prado MA. In vitro genotoxicity of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil in human lymphocytes. J Ethnopharmacol 2014; 151: 852-857.
13. Serafino A, Sinibaldi Vallebona P, Andreola F, Zonfrillo M, Mercuri L, Federici M, et al. Stimulatory effect of Eucalyptus essential oil on innate cell-mediated immune response. BMC Immunol 2008; 9: 17.
14. Saharkhiz MJ, Motamedi M, Zomorodian K, Pakshir K, Miri R, Hemyari K. Chemical composition, antifungal and antibiofilm activities of the essential oil of Mentha piperita L. ISRN Pharm 2012; 2012: 718645.
15. Białoń M, Krzyśko-Łupicka T, Koszałkowska M, Wieczorek PP. The influence of the chemical composition of commercial lemon essential oils on the growth of C, Candida strains. Mycopathologia 2014; 177: 29-39.
16. Ahmed J, Alazemi A, T B B. Encapsulation of Cinnamon and Thyme Essential Oils in γ-Cyclodextrin: Studies on tribology and rheology of diluted emulsions and morphologies of Encapsulates. ACS Food Sci Technol 2024; 4: 1904-1915.
17. Sartoratto A, Machado A, Delarmelina C, Figueira G, Duarte M, Rehder V. Composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oils from aromatic plants used in Brazil. Braz J Microbiol 2004; 35: 275-280.
18. Nweze EI, Eze EE. Justification for the use of Ocimum gratissimum L. in herbal medicine and its interaction with disc antibiotics. BMC Complement Altern Med 2009; 9: 37.
19. Tanko Y, Magaji GM, Yerima M, Magaji RA, Mohammed A. Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous leaves extract of Ocimum gratissimum (Labiate) in rodents. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med 2008; 5: 141-146.
20. Xu JS, Li Y, Cao X, Cui Y. The effect of eugenol on the cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans and dental caries development in rats. Exp Ther Med 2013; 5: 1667-1670.
21. Cherdchom S, Keawsongsaeng W, Buasorn W, Rimsueb N, Pienpinijtham P, Sereemaspun A, et al. Development of Eugenol-Embedded calcium citrate Nanoparticles as a local Anesthetic agent. ACS Omega 2021; 6: 28880-28889.
22. Lan Q, Zhang X, Liang J, Wang W, Lv L, He J, et al. Multifunctional polyeugenol-based nanoparticles with antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Particuology 2024; 87: 194-204.
23. Keshari R, Tharmatt A, Pillai MM, Chitkara D, Tayalia P, Banerjee R, et al. Eugenol-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles-Derived Hydrogels Ameliorate Psoriasis-like skin Lesions by Lowering Oxidative stress and modulating inflammation. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7: 3592-3606.
24. Woranuch S, Yoksan R. Eugenol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles: I. Thermal stability improvement of eugenol through encapsulation. Carbohydr Polym 2013; 96: 578-585.
25. Cheliku N, Karanfilova IC, Stefkov G, Karapandzova M, Bardhi N, Qazimi B, et al. Essential oil composition of five Basil cultivars (Ocimum basilicum) from Albania. Maced Pharm Bull 2015; 61: 11-18.
26. Raina AP, Kumar A, Dutta M. Chemical characterization of aroma compounds in essential oil isolated from “Holy Basil” (Ocimum tenuiflorum L.) grown in India. Genet Resour Crop Evol 2013; 60: 1727-1735.
27. Kriegel C, Festag M, Kishore RSK, Roethlisberger D, Schmitt G. Pediatric safety of polysorbates in drug formulations. Children (Basel) 2019; 7: 1.
28. Huy NM.Formulation of microemulsion containing Perilla essential oil (Perilla frutescens L.). Pham Ngoc Thach J Med Pharm 2023; 3: 156-163.
29. Batista DG, Sganzerla WG, da Silva LR, Vieira YGS, Almeida AR, Dominguini D, et al. Antimicrobial and cytotoxic potential of eucalyptus essential oil-based nanoemulsions for mouthwash application. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13: 942.
30. Nehavarshini V, Unnikrishnan S, Ramalingam K. Exploring the Potential of a Herbal Nanoemulsion as an Antimicrobial Mouthwash. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2023; 195: 5777-5791.
31. Haq N, Shahid M, Alaofi AL, Ahmad ZH, Alrayyes YF, Alsarra IA, et al. Evaluation of the physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of nanoemulsion-based polyherbal mouthwash. ACS Omega 2023; 8: 41755-41764.
32. Hou J, Ci H, Wang P, Wang C, Lv B, Miao L, et al. Nanoparticle tracking analysis versus dynamic light scattering: Case study on the effect of Ca2+ and alginate on the aggregation of cerium oxide nanoparticles. J Hazard Mater 2018; 360: 319-328.
33. Kim A, Ng WB, Bernt W, Cho NJ. Validation of size estimation of nanoparticle tracking analysis on Polydisperse macromolecule assembly. Sci Rep 2019; 9: 2639.
34. Chan MY, Dowling QM, Sivananthan SJ, Kramer RM. Particle sizing of nanoparticle adjuvant formulations by dynamic light Scattering (DLS) and Nanoparticle tracking Analysis (NTA). Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1494: 239-252.
35. Tzimas K, Antoniadou M, Varzakas T, Voidarou CC. Plant-Derived compounds: A promising tool for dental caries prevention. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46: 5257-5290.
36. Patel B, Kamineni Y, Gorityala S, Bindu MH. Advances in nanocarriers for drug delivery in dental therapies. Recent Prog Mater 2021; 3: 39.
37. Awlqadr FH, Majeed KR, Altemimi AB, Hassan AM, Qadir SA, Saeed MN, et al. Nanotechnology-based herbal medicine: Preparation, synthesis, and applications in food and medicine. J Agric Food Res 2025; 19: 101661.
| Files | ||
| Issue | Vol 17 No 5 (2025) | |
| Section | Original Article(s) | |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.18502/ijm.v17i5.19888 | |
| Keywords | ||
| Oral hygiene Nanomaterials Essential oil Ocimum gratissimum | ||
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |
How to Cite
1.
Vinh N, Bac N, Thien N, Minh D, Trung D. Nano-based mouthwash containing white basil essential oil a potent alternative for oral hygiene. Iran J Microbiol. 2025;17(5):791-803.
