Phytochemicals Enriched Herbal Oral Care Formulations for Enhanced Dental Health

HERBAL FORMULATIONS

Herbal formulations are dosage forms prepared from one or more herbs or processed herbal substances in specified quantities to provide therapeutic, nutritional, or cosmetic benefits. These formulations are widely used to diagnose, prevent, and treat diseases, as well as to maintain overall health. They are prepared using various processes such as extraction, distillation, purification, and fermentation, and may include whole plants or their parts in fresh or dried forms. Herbal medicines are gaining increasing attention due to their natural origin, cost-effectiveness, and relatively fewer side effects compared to synthetic drugs. However, they also present certain limitations such as variability in composition, slower onset of action, and lack of standardization.

Advantages:

• Herbal medicine can be used to treat wide range of ailments.
• The cost of herbal medicines are very low compared to pharmaceutical drugs.
• Herbal medicine are obtained naturally and only involve lesser chemical process for their formulation hence it is considered as eco friendly.
• Extracts of plant decreases the bulk property of cosmetics and gives appropriate pharmacological effects.
• Easily available & found in large variety & quantity.

Disadvantages:

• Herbal drugs have slower effects as compare to allopathic dosage form.
• They are difficult to hide taste and odour.
• Most of the herbal drugs are not easily available.
• Manufacturing process are time consuming and complicated.
• No pharmacopoeia defines any specific procedure or ingredients to be used in any of herbal cosmetics.

HERBAL COSMETICS

Herbal cosmetics are the product, which are formulated by using various herbal ingredients to form the base that are used to provide defined cosmetic benefits. Due to its purity, safety and efficacy herbal cosmetics are popular around the world. Herbal cosmetics are formulated using various herbal extracts containing a wide range of active principles such as glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, carotenoids, terpenoids, saponins, vitamins, amino acids, sugars, essential oil, enzyme etc.

HERBAL GEL TOOTHPASTE

Herbal gel toothpaste is a modern oral care formulation designed to promote dental health using plant-based ingredients. It typically contains natural extracts such as Salvadora persica (miswak), along with gelling agents and mild abrasives, providing gentle cleansing, antimicrobial action, and plaque control. Compared to conventional toothpaste, herbal gel formulations offer a safer and more eco-friendly alternative with minimal use of synthetic chemicals.

Advantages:

• Contains natural ingredients with fewer harsh chemicals.
• Provides gentle oral-cleansing action suitable for regular use.
• May help reduce the growth of plaque-causing oral bacteria.
• Supports oral hygiene and helps freshens breath naturally.
• Contains antioxidant compounds that may help protect oral tissues from oxidative damage.

HERBAL CHEWABLE ORAL CARE TABLET

Herbal chewable oral care tablets are solid dosage forms designed to dissolve upon chewing. They releasing herbal extracts and bioactive compounds that help reduce oral bacteria, control odor, and maintain oral hygiene. Their pre-measured dosage ensures convenience, improved compliance, and suitability for individuals with swallowing difficulties. Additionally, they are portable, eco-friendly, and reduce plastic waste compared to conventional oral-care products.

Advantages:

• Improved patient compliance.
• Enhanced patient adherence.
• Suitable for patients with swallowing difficulties.
• Accurate, unit-dose delivery.
• Environmentally sustainable, Extended shelf stability, Enhanced portability.

HERBAL TOOTH POWDER

Herbal tooth powder is a natural oral hygiene formulation made from finely powdered herbs and minerals. It provides mechanical cleaning along with antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits. Ingredients such as Salvadora persica (miswak) help control plaque, reduce oral bacteria, and freshen breath. Due to their chemical-free composition, sustainability, and effectiveness, herbal tooth powders are increasingly popular as an alternative to conventional toothpaste.

Advantages:

• Natural and chemical-free.
• May help reduce growth of certain oral bacteria. Supports oral hygiene.
• Freshens breath naturally.
• Eco-friendly and sustainable.
• Typically has a long shelf life if stored properly.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PLANT COLLECTION

The fresh root of Salvadora persica, were collected from Trikaripur, Kasaragod district, Kerala (India) in the month of October 2025. The herbarium was prepared by drying the specimens in the shade and then labeling them with the relevant information.

PLANT AUTHENTICATION

The plant material was identified and authenticated by Dr. Subrahmanya Prasad.K, Assistant professor, Department of botany, Nehru Arts and Science College, Kanhangad, Padannakkad.

PLANT PROFILE

Salvadora persica

Synonyms

Arak, Sewak, Peelu, Toothbrush tree

Scientific classification of Salvadora persica

Morphological characteristics

Salvadora persica is a small to medium sized tree, typically growing up to 3-6 meters tall. The root of Salvadora persica is a thick, deeply penetrating taproot with many spreading lateral roots. The outer part of the root is fibrous and light brown, while the inner part is soft and white, which is the portion used as miswak. The root is highly adapted to salinity and drought conditions. It contains antimicrobial compounds, silica, and fluoride, giving it medicinal properties. The stem is straight, with a smooth, grayish brown bark that peels off in thin layers. The branches are spreading, with a rounded crown. The leaves are elliptical or ovate, with a pointed tip, typically 2-5 cm long and 1-2 cm wide, and they are arranged oppositely on the stem. It produces small, greenish yellow flowers and are arranged in axillary clusters. The fruit is small, red or purple and are typically 1-2 cm in diameter.

Phytochemical constituents

• Alkaloids: Salvadorine and Trimethylamaine.
• Sulfur Compounds: Benzyl isothiocyanate and Elemental sulfur.
• Flavonoids: Kaempferol, Quercetin, and Rutin.
• Glycosides: Salvadoside, and Salvadoraside.
• Sterols: β-sitosterol, and Stigmasterol.
• Vitamins and Minerals:  Fluoride, Calcium, Phosphorus, and Vitamin C
• Silica and Saponins.
• Essential oils / Terpenoids

Medicinal uses

Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Astringent, Oral hygiene (Natural toothbrush), gastrointestinal benefits, antidiabetics effect etc.

PREPARATION OF PLANT EXTRACT

Extraction of Salvadora persica was carried out by maceration. Maceration is an extraction technique used to extract bioactive compounds from plant material.

Procedure:

• The extract was prepared by maceration process.
• The collected plant materials were washed, air dried and coarsely powdered.
• Maceration: 10g of coarsely powdered Salvadora persica was soaked in conical flask containing 100 ml of distilled water (10% w/v).
• Seal the conical flask and keep it in a dark place with occasional shaking to facilitate extraction.
• Finally, the sample extract was filtered through Whatman NO:1 filter paper, Collect the extract and store in a desiccator for further studies.

PHARMACOGNOSTIC STUDY

 A. Determination of moisture content

 B. Determination of ash value

• Total ash
• Acid insoluble ash
• Water soluble ash

C. Determination of Extractive value

• Alcohol soluble extractive value
• Water soluble extractive value

PRELIMINARY PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING

The extract was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening to detect the various phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, glycosides, carbohydrates, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and phenols.

INVITRO-ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY

Antibacterial activity was determined by agar well diffusion method, activity of extract was tested against Lactobacillus.

Procedure:

Preparation of pre-inoculum: The bacteria Lactobacillus is prepared from curd. The curd is filtered and the broth is incubated at 25? for 24 hours.

Preparation of pour plates: A sabouraud dextrose agar (150 ml) is autoclaved and poured to the already autoclaved plate and cooled to room temperature and allowed to solidify. The culture was spread on the agar surface aseptically by using sterilized cotton.

Making wells on agar plates: Wells of 6mm in diameter were made aseptically on the agar plate by using a sterilized well digger. The extract is aseptically added in to the well by using a micropipette. The petri plates are kept in a refrigerator (1hr) for the diffusion of substances from well in to surrounding medium. During this time the growth of the organism is reduced: After 1 hour, the plates were incubated in inverted condition at 37? for 48 hours.

Measurement of the zone of inhibition: After 48 hours, the plates were observed for the presence of inhibition of bacterial growth, and it was indicated in the form of a clear zone of inhibition around each well containing the extract. The size of the inhibitory zone was measured in ‘mm’. The zone of inhibition obtained for the developed herbal extract was compared with the standard. Amoxicillin disc was used as standard.

ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY

• The free radical scavenging capacity of extracts were determined using DPPH. DPPH solution was prepared in 90% methanol.
• Extract (Salvadora persica) was mixed with 95% ethanol to prepare the stock solution (5µg/ml).
• 150 ml of freshly prepared DPPH solution was taken in test tubes and 75 ml of varying concentration of extract was added to every test tube and the final volume was made to 3ml with methanol.
• After 10 min, the absorbance was measured at 517 nm using a spectrophotometer.
• Ascorbic acid was used as reference standard and dissolved in methanol to make the stock solution with the same concentration (5µg/ml).
• Control sample was prepared containing the same volume without any extract and reference (ascorbic acid).
• 95% methanol was used as blank.
• % scavenging of the free radical was measured using the following equation,

Where,

RSA= Radical Scavenging Activity.

Abs control= absorbance of DPPH radical + methanol.

Abs sample= absorbance of DPPH radical + extract.

FORMULATION OF HERBAL GEL TOOTHPASTE

Procedure:

• Carbopol 940 was dispersed in distilled water and allowed to hydrate for 1 hour.
• Triethanolamine was added dropwise under continuous stirring to adjust pH (6.5–7.5) and form gel base.
• Glycerin and propylene glycol were added and mixed thoroughly to obtain a uniform gel base.
• Methyl paraben and propyl paraben were dissolved in propylene glycol and incorporated with continuous stirring.
• Hydrated silica was added as an abrasive agent and mixed uniformly.
• Sodium saccharin was added as a sweetening agent.
• Peppermint oil was added for flavoring.
• Salvadora persica extract was incorporated and triturated to ensure uniform dispersion.
• The final volume was made up to 100 mL with distilled water and stirred until a homogeneous gel toothpaste was obtained.

EVALUATION OF HERBAL GEL TOOTHPASTE

F1, F2, F3 was prepared and subjected to following evaluation method.

1. Physical Evaluation:

The colour, state, and appearance of the gel toothpaste were examined visually.

2. pH test:

Take 1gm of the herbal gel toothpaste in a 150ml beaker and add 10ml 0f freshly boiled and cooled water. Stir well to form a uniform suspension, and determine the pH of the suspension using pH meter.

3. Spreadability test:

Approximately 1–2 g of herbal gel toothpaste was placed between two glass slides (10 × 10 cm). A known weight was applied, and the slides were moved in opposite directions. After 3 minutes, the spread length was measured. The test was performed in triplicate, and spreadability (S) was calculated using the formula:

S = (M × L) / T

Where,

M is the applied weight, L is the length of spread, and T is the time required to separate the slides.

4. Extrudability:

The formulation was filled into collapsible aluminum tubes, sealed, and weighed. Tubes were placed between glass slides, clamped, and subjected to a 500 g load. The cap was removed, and the extruded paste was collected and weighed. Extrudability was expressed as the percentage of paste extruded.

5. Abrasiveness:

Approximately 15–20 cm of toothpaste was extruded from each of ten tubes onto butter paper. Samples were visually inspected and gently spread to detect the presence of coarse or sharp particles.

6. Fragrance Test:

A small quantity of each formulation was placed on a clean watch glass and evaluated organoleptically for odor type and intensity.

7. Shape retention:

The herbal gel toothpaste was dispensed onto a toothbrush and allowed to stand for 10 seconds. The shape retention was evaluated and graded as: (A) shape maintained, (B) shape mostly maintained, or (C) shape not maintained.

FORMULATION OF HERBAL CHEWABLE ORAL CARE TABLET

Procedure:

• Weigh all the powdered ingredients Mannitol, Sodium bicarbonate, Acacia, Magnesium stearate, Talc required for the formulation.
• Mix all the powdered ingredients in the mortar and pestle. Triturate them for size reduction and uniform mixing.
• Then add menthol and weighed herbal ingredient like Salvadora persica extract to the above mixture again blended well to form uniform mixture.
• After that mixture is allowed to pass through sieve no. 8 and the granules were dried by using hot air oven at 50? for 15-20 minutes.
• Then the dried granules are again allowed to passes through sieve no. 22.
• By using direct compression method herbal chewable oral care tablets were produced by punching the above dried granules with single punch machine.

EVALUATION OF HERBAL CHEWABLE ORAL CARE TABLET

F1, F2, F3 was prepared and subjected to following evaluation method.

1. Physical Evaluation:

The colour, state, and appearance of the chewable oral care tablet were examined visually.

2. Pre-compression evaluation:

Angle of repose:

The angle of repose is the maximum angle formed between the surface of a powder pile and the horizontal plane. It is used to assess the flow properties of powders, where a lower angle indicates better flow. It is calculated using:

                               tan ???? = h / r

Where,

θ is the angle of repose, h is the height of the pile, and r is the radius of its base.

Angle of repose as an indication of powder flow

Method:

A funnel was fixed at a constant height, and granules of the herbal chewable oral care tablet were allowed to flow freely to form a conical heap. The height and radius of the heap were measured, and the angle of repose was calculated. Care was taken to ensure smooth and uniform flow of particles.

Bulk density:

Bulk density was defined as the ratio of the mass of powder to its bulk volume. A known quantity of powder was introduced into a 100 mL graduated cylinder. The cylinder was dropped three times from a height of 1 inch at 2-second intervals, and the initial volume was recorded. Bulk density was calculated using:

Tap density:

Tap density was defined as the ratio of the mass of powder to its tapped volume. The same cylinder was tapped 100 times from a height of 1 inch at 2-second interval and the final volumewas recorded. Tap density was calculated using:

Hausner's Ratio:

Hausner's ratio is an indirect measure of powder flowability calculated using bulk and tapped densities. It was determined using the formula:

Lower values indicate better flow properties.

Carr's Index:

Carr's index (compressibility index) is used to evaluate powder flow based on bulk and tapped densities. It was calculated using:

Flow properties were interpreted using standard compressibility index ranges.

Carr’s index as an indication of powder flow

3. Post compression evaluation:

a) Weight variation:

Twenty tablets were individually weighed and the average weight was calculated. Individual weights were compared with the mean weight to ensure uniformity as per Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) limits.

Weight variation specification as per I.P

b) Hardness:

Tablet hardness was evaluated using a Monsanto hardness tester. Ten tablets from each formulation were tested, and the force required to fracture each tablet was recorded.

c) Friability:

Friability was determined using a Roche friabilator. Twenty pre-weighed tablets were rotated at 25 rpm for 4 minutes. Tablets were dedusted and reweighed, and friability was calculated as:

d) pH:

The pH was measured using a calibrated pH meter. Tablets were dissolved in 200 mL of distilled water in separate beakers, and the pH of each solution was recorded.

e) Disintegration time:

Disintegration test was performed to determine the time required for tablets to break into smaller particles. Six tablets (three with discs and three without) were tested using a standard disintegration apparatus in distilled water at room temperature. The average disintegration time was found to be approximately 2 minutes.

FORMULATION OF HERBAL TOOTH POWDER

Procedure:

• Sift all powders (Salvadora persica, Sodium bentonite clay, Calcium carbonate, Silica, Himalayan rock salt, Xylitol) through an 80 mesh sieve to remove lumps and ensure uniform particle size.
• Crush menthol crystals in a mortar to a fine powder and sieve if necessary for uniformity.
• In a clean mixing container, combine all sifted powders.
• Mix thoroughly for 5-10 minutes to ensure homogeneity.
• Pass the final mixture through the 80 mesh sieve again to achieve smooth texture.
• Transfer powder into airtight containers.

EVALUATION OF HERBAL TOOTH POWDER

F1, F2, F3 was prepared and subjected to following evaluation method.

1. Physical Evaluation:

The colour, state, and appearance of the powder were examined visually.

2. pH Determination:

About 5 g of the herbal tooth powder was dispersed in freshly boiled and cooled distilled water. The suspension was stirred thoroughly, and the pH was measured using a calibrated digital pH meter at room temperature.

3. Bulk Density:

Approximately 5 g of powder was accurately weighed and transferred into a dry 10 ml graduated measuring cylinder. The initial volume occupied by the powder was noted, and bulk density was calculated using the formula:

D= Bulk density, M= Mass of particles, V = Total volume occupied

4. Tapped Density:

The same sample was subjected to mechanical tapping until no further change in volume was observed. The final tapped volume was recorded, and tapped density was calculated as:

Angle of Repose:

The flow properties of the powder were determined by the funnel method. Approximately 25 g of powder was allowed to flow through a funnel fixed at a known height to form a conical heap. The height (h) and radius (r) of the heap were measured, and the angle of repose (θ) was calculated using:

Where,

h – height of the powder cone

r – radius of the powder cone

5. Foaming power:

Foaming ability was evaluated by dispersing 2 g of powder in 50 ml of water in a measuring cylinder. The mixture was shaken ten times, and the increase in volume due to foam formation was recorded. Foaming power was calculated as:

Where,

V1 = final volume (ml), V2 = initial volume (ml).

6. Spreadability Test:

About 0.6 g of powder was placed between two glass slides, and a load of 1.13 kg was applied for 30 minutes. The diameter of the spread sample was measured in centimeters and recorded as an index of spreadability.

7. Abrasiveness:

Abrasiveness was evaluated by rubbing 1 g of powder on a glass slide for 15 minutes. The surface was examined for scratches and recorded qualitatively as positive or negative, with higher scratch intensity indicating greater abrasiveness.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Preparation of plant extract

Extraction of Salvadora persica was carried out by maceration, and the obtained extract was subsequently used for phytochemical studies.

Figure:2

Physico-chemical parameters

The following were the physico-chemical parameters evaluated,

Preliminary phytochemical screening

The extract was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening to detect various phytochemical constituents. The preliminary phytochemical study revealed the presence and absence of certain phytochemicals in the extract of Salvadora persica.

Invitro-Antimicrobial activity

The antimicrobial activity of the extract was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method against Lactobacillus. The standard amoxicillin disc (positive control) produced a zone of inhibition of 10 mm, while the test extract showed a zone of 7 mm. These findings suggest that the extract exhibits moderate antimicrobial activity compared to the standard.

Antioxidant activity

The Antioxidant activity was expressed in terms of % inhibition, and the results are presented in the following table.

Formulation of Herbal Gel Toothpaste

Salvadora persica herbal gel toothpaste was prepared and transferred into an aluminum collapsible tube.

Formulation of Herbal Chewable Oral Care Tablet

Salvadora persica herbal chewable oral care tablet was prepared and transferred into a dry, airtight container.

Monsanto hardness tester                           Disintegration apparatus

                                            Friabilator                                                    pH meter

Formulation of Herbal Tooth Powder

Salvadora persica herbal tooth powder was prepared and transferred into a suitable container