Mimusops Elengi Linn.: A Potential Source of Phytochemical Agents Useful in Clinical Periodontics

Ayurvedic medicine is an integral part of Rigveda. More than 80% of population in the developing countries use traditional or local medicine, which is originally a part of ayurveda. Natural medicines are considered to be “safe”, as they have been in coexistence with us, without any synthetic chemical. These herbs are very much popular because of their less toxicity and adverse effects. One of these herbs, a common Indian native plant is Mimusops elengi Linn. For a long time in the traditional ayurveda system of medicine, Mimusops has been described and used for its potential medicinal values. All the different parts of this plant such as leaves, twig, bark, stem, root, fruits, seeds, and flowers are used in different concentration or in combination with other plant materials to improve oral health. Ethanolic extract of bark shows anti-inflammatory, analgesic as well as antipyretic effect. The phytochemical agents such as Lupeol, saponin present in the bark show anti-inflammatory activity and tannins show antibacterial as well as antioxidant properties. The extract of bark in different materials has shown significant antioxidant potential and scavenging property. The ethanolic, methanolic, acetone, petroleum and water extract of bark showed antibacterial property against different strains of Streptococcus species, Staphylococcus species and against E. fecalis. This plant should be explored and further research work should be carried out in periodontal field for new valuable drug formulation, which will be economically more suitable to the majority of populations in developing countries.