Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of the fortified zinc phosphate cement with two herbal extracts and Chlorhexidine. An In-silico method was employed to check the mechanism of action of the two selected herbal extracts against dehydrofolate reductase enzyme using Molecular Docking technique. Materials and methods: In this in-vitro study, two herbal extracts were used to fortify zinc phosphate cement in evaluating the antibacterial efficacy against Lactobacillus species. Three groups were made. Group1: zinc phosphate + chlorhexidine, Group 2: zinc phosphate + neem oil, Group 3: zinc phosphate + ginger extract. The antibacterial activity was assessed by the agar diffusion test. To understand the mechanism of the bactericidal effect of active ingredients of the herbal metabolites in Group 2 and Group 3, an In-silico method - Molecular Docking technique was carried out. Result: In In-silico method - Molecular Docking technique, a greater diameter of inhibition zone and higher binding efficiency was found with neem extract. Conclusion: It was concluded that Nimbin in Group 2 has highest binding affinity to DHFR. Thereby the study concluded that neem extract is effective against Lactobacillus species.

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