
Anushka Gupta
Mansarovar Dental College, Hospital and Research Centre, IndiaPresentation Title:
Preparation of herbal candy that prevents dental caries and boosts overall health in children
Abstract
Candy is more commonly referred to as “Fun Food”, in addition to known as confectionary food. Excessive consumption of candy has a negative impact, in which it causes dental caries and health issues. There is a growing shift from the use of conventional pharmaceutical oral care products to the use of herbal extracts and traditional remedies in dental caries prevention.The formulation of Herbal sugar-free candy that prevents dental caries and boosts overall health in individuals is expected to solve this problem. Medicinal plants, plant-derived phytochemicals, essential oils and other food compounds that have exhibited promising anti-microbial activity against oral pathogens, either by their anti-adhesion activity, or their direct action on microbial species and acid production. As per the ancient ayurveda texts and modern research, it has been proven that Amla, honey, beeswax and herbal extracts such as Triphla(relieves tooth decay), Miswak(removes plaque), Vai vidanga(Fights dental caries), Nirgundi(relieves tooth ache), Khadira(tightens gums), Bakula(strengthens gums and teeth), Babool(prevent gum bleeding), Irimeda(improves gum health), neem(fights germs) are said to prevent tooth decay and boosts overall health in individuals. Vitamin C rich amla (scientifically known as Emblica officinalis) is used for preventive disease health management strategies. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and cytotoxic properties of amla has been assessed using the DPPH assay, bovine serum albumin denaturation assay (BSA assay), Agar well diffuse technique against oral pathogens and Brine shrimp lethality assay respectively. Few studies have proven the anti-microbic effectiveness of beeswax against overall Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella entericus, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger, that are the most common causative organisms of dental caries. These inhibitory effects are enhanced synergistically with other natural products such as honey. For the formulation of candy, honey-soaked amla is taken and grinded well with all the herbal extracts mentioned above along with honey and beeswax. All the ingredients are blended well to get a fine slurry texture. As a conclusion, this study reveals that Herbal candy is effective in reducing cariogenic bacterial count. However, further research is needed to assess their anti-microbial activity and to evaluate the cytotoxicity and safety profiles of these herbal candy before its widespread clinical use can be recommended.
Biography
Anushka Gupta, completed her schooling from The BSS School, Kolkata and is currently a final year UG student, pursuing dentistry from Mansarovar Dental College, Hospital and Research Centre,Bhopal, India. She got into research work at a very young age and her research work got funded by BIRAC in the 2nd Cohort, 2024. Her paper work in under process for publication in ISBN book. She has also filed a patent for her research work. Besides being into the research field, Anushka has also shown excellent results in her academics. She has also participated in IMUN during her schooling. She also has a passion for debating, public speaking, dance and is very active in the cultural activities in her college.