ABSTRACT
Herbal remedies have long served as a cornerstone of traditional medicine, offering therapeutic potential for a myriad of ailments, including dental conditions such as toothache. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and synergistic potential of a polyherbal aqueous extract comprising Syzygium aromaticum (clove), Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf), Carica papaya (papaya), Moringa oleifera (moringa), and Allium sativum (garlic) in alleviating toothache symptoms. The investigation focused on the extract’s antimicrobial activity against common oral pathogens, its phytochemical composition, and its comparison to standard pharmaceutical treatments. Plant materials were authenticated, and aqueous extracts were prepared using a standardized protocol. Antimicrobial efficacy was assessed via agar well diffusion against Grampositive (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus) andGram-negative (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria, with ciprofloxacin and distilled water as controls. Results revealed dose-dependent antimicrobial activity, with the 100% concentration exhibiting zones of inhibition ranging from 5.0 ± 1.0 mm (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) to 11.5 ± 3.5 mm (Lactobacillus acidophilus). Gram-positive bacteria demonstrated higher susceptibility, particularly L. acidophilus, while Gram-negative strains required higher concentrations for inhibition. Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) varied between 12% (Streptococcus mutans, L. acidophilus) and 18% (Klebsiella pneumoniae), with Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations (MBCs) aligning closely, indicating robust bactericidal effects. Phytochemical screening identified alkaloids, tannins, saponins, phenolics, and flavonoids, with quantitative analysis highlighting high tannin (61.656 ± 2.52%) and phenolic (285.813 ± 0.074%) content, critical for antimicrobial and antiinflammatory activity. Elemental analysis revealed significant potassium (3315.574 mg/L), calcium (598.361 mg/L), and sodium (553.279 mg/L) levels, contributing to the extract’s therapeutic profile. Although the polyherbal extract was less potent than ciprofloxacin, its broad-spectrum efficacy, coupled with a rich phytochemical matrix, underscores the synergistic interactions among its constituents. Safety assessments via phytochemical and elemental analyses indicated no significant 9 toxicity, supporting its traditional use. The study bridges ethnomedicinal knowledge and scientific validation, highlighting the potential of polyherbal formulations as natural alternatives for managing toothache.
