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Evaluation of antibacterial activity of Nigella sativa seed extract against Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia

Context: Chemical plaque control agents and local drug delivery used in the management of periodontal therapy possess many adverse effects upon long-term usage. Hence, there is a search of herbal antibacterial agents with least adverse effects, which are being experimented to be used as an alternative to chemical agents. Nigella sativa is one such herb known for its antibacterial activity against many microorganisms. In this study, N. sativa is tested for its efficacy against significant periodontal pathogens. Aims: The study aims were to evaluate the antibacterial activity of N. sativa against significant periodontal pathogens, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella Intermedia, and to compare its efficacy with tetracycline. Materials and Methods: Methanolic extract of N. sativa seeds with three different concentrations of 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/ml was prepared, and the antibacterial activity of N. sativa seeds was tested against bacterial strains of P. gingivalis and P. intermedia in culture plates. Zones of inhibition of bacterial growth were measured in three different concentrations and compared with tetracycline. Statistical Analysis Used: The results were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Although the results of N. sativa were slightly lesser than those of tetracycline (15.3 mm and 16.5 mm), the methanolic extract of N. sativa showed highly statistically significant (P < 0.001) antibacterial activity with zone of inhibition of 5.4 and 7.4 mm at 25 mg/ml and 9.4 and 10.1 mm at 50 mg/ml concentration against P. gingivalis and P. intermedia, respectively. Conclusions: N. sativa is found to possess antibacterial efficacy against periodontal pathogens such as P. gingivalis and P. intermedia. Hence, it can be used as a safe adjunct in periodontal therapy. Further clinical studies are required to check its efficacy clinically in patients with periodontitis.