In vitro study between antibacterial and cytotoxic effects of chlorhexidine and persica mouthrinses

The use of mouthrinses as antiseptics to prepare surgical site is highly recommended by surgical principles and they are used even after doing surgery. Chlorhexidine has been considered as an effective antibacterial mouthrinse but as its well known side effects are potentially harmful, Persica mouthrinse which is supposed to be as effective as Chlorhexidine with less side effects, due to its herbal origin, was compared with Chlorhexidine mouthrinse. The aim of this study was to compare the antibacterial and cytotoxic effects of Chlorhexidine and Persica mouthrinses. Methods & Materials: In this in vitro experimental study Streptococcus Mutans, Streptococcus Sanguis & Lactobacillus Kasei were exposed to Persica (absolute & 50%) and Chlorhexidine concentrations (0.01%, 0.02%, 0.1%, 0.2%) for 2, 10, 30 minutes. The growth of microorganisms were evaluated after 24hr incubation. The human oral carcinoma cell line KB, the human osteosarcoma cell line Saos-2, the mouse macrophage cell line J774A.1 and human gingival fibroblast cell line MRF were exposed to Persica (0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 5%) and Chlorhexidine concentrations (0.0001%, 0.001%, 0.01%, 0.03%) for 1 hr. Following drug exposure the cells were washed and cultured for another 48-72 hrs, then, cell growth was assessed by MTT assay.

All concentrations of Chlorhexidine prevented the growth of microorganisms but Persica mouthwash had a weak antibacterial effect. Chlorohexidine concentrations of higher than 0.001% had significant cytotoxicity in all cell lines and concentrations of higher than 0.1% of Persica also exerted a very significant cytotoxic effect on all cell lines.

Persica mouth rinse is not a reliable antiseptic for preparation of oral cavity prior to oral surgery since it doesn’t bear enough antibacterial properties. Both mouth rinses are cytotoxic, so that, using them for wound care, specially for oral wounds which heal by secondary intention is not recommended.