Efficacy of Azadirachta indica (Neem) as an antigingivitis agent on dental plaque induced gingivitis

Azadirachta indica (Neem) is a plant of Meliaceae family, has been used in India for several decades in medical and dental sciences for the treatment of several diseases. Neem has been considered to have antiseptic activity, but its use in the dentistry for the treatment of gingivitis and periodontitis has not been well established till date. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to assess the efficacy of neem extract ( Nimbidin-T) as an antigingivitis agent. Thirty dental students were enrolled for the study. A Nimbidin-T preparation was applied by the operator twice a day, once in the morning and second time in the evening with small cotton pellet for two months. Gingival status was assessed by Loe and Sillness gingival index at base line and on 2 day, 4 day, 8 day and then every week till two months. Results showed that Nimbidin-T is significantly effective in reduction of dental plaque induced gingivitis concluding that it may be used as an effective adjunctive therapy to conventional mechanical therapy in treating dental plaque induced gingivitis.