2025, Vol. 13, Issue 4, Part C

author(s)
K Swapna Reddy, V Navya Sri, Shaik Ahmed, S Pooja, V Hasritha and KNV Rao

abstract
The aim of the current study involves the extraction, formulation, and evaluation of a herbal gel prepared from Jatropha curcas for its antimicrobial activity against dental caries-causing bacteria. Jatropha curcas is a well-known medicinal plant with reported antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing properties. In this research work, the plant material was subjected to extraction using a suitable solvent system, and the obtained extract was incorporated into a gel base and then the formulated gel was evaluated for its physicochemical properties such as pH, viscosity, spreadability, and extrudability. The antimicrobial activity of the Jatropha curcas gel was tested against common oral pathogens such as Streptococcus mutans using the agar well diffusion method. The results showed a significant zone of inhibition, indicating the potential use of the formulated herbal gel as an alternative treatment for dental caries.