title: Clinical and microbiologic effects of commercially available gel and powder containing Acacia arabica on gingivitis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There is a need for an anti-plaque agent that can be used on a daily basis without the side effects of antibacterial chemicals such as chlorhexidine. The present study was designed to evaluate the clinical and microbiologic effects of commercially available gel and powder containing Acacia arabica in subjects with gingivitis.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and twenty subjects with chronic generalized gingivitis were selected and randomly divided into four groups: Group 1 - placebo group; Group 2 -Acacia arabica gel group; Group 3 -Acacia arabica powder group; and Group 4 - 1% chlorhexidine gel group. Microbial counts of plaque samples, the gingival index of Loe and Silness and the plaque index were evaluated at baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 24 weeks. Microbial counts of plaque samples were evaluated at all visits.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Acacia arabica gel and powder showed significant clinical improvement in gingival and plaque index scores as compared to a placebo. This improvement was comparable to 1% chlorhexidine gel. The difference between gel and powder with regard to clinical and microbiological parameters was not found to be significant at any time interval.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both Acacia arabica gel and powder may be useful herbal formulations for chemical plaque control in subjects with gingivitis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, Government Dental College and Research Institute, Bangalore, Karnataka, India. periodontics_gdc@rediffmail.com
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Pradeep
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Agarwal
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bajaj
authors.forename: S B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Naik
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Shanbhag
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Uma
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D006170:Gum Arabic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010512:Periodontal Index; D008517:Phytotherapy; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D028321:Plant Preparations; D006170:Gum Arabic; D002710:Chlorhexidine