Appraising the Antimicrobial Effect of 2% Grape Seed Extract Mouthwash on Periodontal Pathogens: A Clinicomicrobiological Analysis

Objectives: The seeds of Vitis vinifera (Grape) are rich in polyphenolic compounds especially proanthocyanidins that show antimicrobial activity as well as have the potential to halt the progression of gingival inflammation by hindering the activity of interstitial collagenase. The aim was to evaluate and compare the effect of Grape seed extract (GSE) and Chlorhexidine mouthwash on Streptoccocus mitis, Streptococcus salivarius, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and correlate with the clinical parameters. Material and Methods: In this randomized, controlled, and double-blinded study, 75 participants were selected from the undergraduate section and divided into three groups, Group A: 25; grape seed extract (2%) mouthwash, Group B: 25; chlorhexidine (0.2%) mouthwash, and Group C: 25; placebo mouthwash. Participants were stipulated to use their assigned mouthwash for 7 days. The supragingival plaque was collected in reduced transport fluid at baseline and 7 days post-intervention and sent for cultural analysis of S. mitis, S. salivarius, and A. actinomycetemcomitans. Colony-forming units (CFUs) were counted and compared for individually selected pathogens at 0 and 7 days among the 3 groups. At each visit, participants were also examined for any clinical changes. Results: Mean scores of all clinical parameters (P = 0.05) and mean CFU of S. mitis, S. salivarius, and A. actinomycetemcomitans (P < 0.001) in Groups A and B (Test Groups) differed significantly as compared to Group C (Control Group) at 7 days post regimen. Intragroup comparison revealed a significant reduction in the mean scores on the 7th day of mouthwash use as compared to baseline in Groups A and B, while Group C showed no significant difference. Conclusion: It was observed that GSE mouthwash has shown a positive effect in reducing selected periodontal pathogens and improvement of clinical parameters when compared to control. It showed comparable efficacy when compared to chlorhexidine. Its biocompatibility, cost effectiveness, easy availability, and no reported topical side effects make it a potential alternative to chlorhexidine. It efficaciously supplements the periodontal therapy.