DESC:FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to the herbal formulation for reducing pathogenic microbes in the oral cavity. The invention also focuses on the composition, usage, manufacturing method, and specific efficacies of said herbal formulation as a therapeutic and preventive solution for oral health issues, catering to both the effectiveness of the formulation and its application in various oral hygiene products.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
Poor oral health can contribute to an overgrowth of harmful microbes in the mouth, which can lead to of several health problems. The mouth is home to a large and diverse population of microbes, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms. While many of these microbes are harmless or even beneficial, some can cause disease.
Microbial populations in the mouth arise quite naturally, for example, from dental plaque, decaying food particles, and salivary stagnation. When plaque and tartar build-up on teeth and gums, they provide a breeding ground for harmful microbes to thrive. These microbes can produce acids that erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities and tooth decay. They can also cause gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss and other health problems.
Some of the most common harmful microbes found in the oral cavity include:
Streptococcus mutans: This bacterium is a major cause of tooth decay and cavities. It produces acid that breaks down the enamel on teeth.
Porphyromonas gingivalis: This bacterium is a major cause of gum disease. It can cause inflammation of the gums, leading to tooth loss and other health problems.
Candida albicans: This fungus is responsible for causing oral thrush, a condition that causes white patches on the tongue and inside the mouth.
Treponema denticola: This bacterium is associated with severe forms of gum disease, including periodontitis.
Prevotella intermedia: This bacterium is associated with periodontal disease and has been found in dental abscesses.
In addition, the harmful microbes in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body, potentially contributing to a range of health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, and complications during pregnancy.
Volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) are responsible for the unpleasant odor associated with bad breath or halitosis. These compounds are produced as a byproduct of the breakdown of proteins by bacteria present in the mouth. The presence of VSCs can be influenced by various factors, including poor oral hygiene, gum disease, dry mouth, certain foods, and underlying medical conditions. When oral hygiene is inadequate, bacteria can accumulate in the mouth, leading to the breakdown of proteins and the production of VSCs.
Antibacterial mouthwashes have the primary purpose of reducing or removing bacteria that are usually present in large numbers in the oral cavity. While mouthwashes can be an effective way to maintain good oral health, there are some drawbacks to their use. Some mouthwashes contain high levels of alcohol, which can be irritating to the mouth and cause dry mouth. Additionally, alcohol can be harmful if ingested in large quantities. While mouthwashes can kill harmful bacteria, they can also disrupt the natural balance of oral microbiota, which can lead to overgrowth of harmful microbes. Some individuals may experience mild oral irritation, such as a burning or stinging sensation, when using certain mouthwashes. This is more common with mouthwashes containing alcohol or certain antimicrobial agents. Some mouthwashes may temporarily affect the taste perception, causing an altered taste sensation. Individuals may develop allergic reactions to certain ingredients in mouthwash. Symptoms can include rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
Chlorhexidine is an antimicrobial mouthwash that is commonly used to treat gingivitis and other oral health problems. While it can be effective in treating certain conditions, there are some drawbacks to its use:
1. Chlorhexidine can cause staining of the teeth, particularly with long-term use. This staining can be difficult to remove and may require professional teeth cleaning.
2. Some people may experience a temporary alteration in taste after using chlorhexidine mouthwash, which can be unpleasant.
3. Chlorhexidine mouthwash can cause dry mouth, which can be uncomfortable and contribute to the growth of harmful bacteria.
4. Some people may be allergic to chlorhexidine or other ingredients in the mouthwash, which can cause skin rashes or other allergic reactions.
The present invention relates an herbal formulation for reducing pathogenic microbes in the oral cavity. The herbal formulation is based on natural oils which show no side effects. The herbal mouthwash formulation of the present invention retains the mouth freshness even at 7 hours of use, gentle for even the most sensitive mouths.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention presents an advanced herbal formulation aimed at reducing pathogenic microbes within the oral cavity, effectively addressing common oral health issues such as dental caries, periodontal disease, gingivitis, oral infections, and halitosis. The formulation, composed of a variety of natural oils and additives, offers a clear, water-soluble, and high-temperature stable solution with pleasant sensory attributes derived from natural oils. The key advantage of this herbal formulation lies in its efficacy and gentle nature, making it suitable for even the most sensitive oral environments without adverse reactions typical of synthetic additives.
The formulation consists of a precisely calibrated mixture of natural oils, including tea tree oil, oil of wintergreen, carvacrol, mentha oil, spearmint oil, clove oil, cinnamon oil, and peppermint oil. These oils are selected for their antimicrobial properties and are combined in specific concentrations to maximize efficacy:
According to one embodiment under the invention, said herbal formulation is a mixture comprised of tea tree oil in the range of 1 to 10%, oil of wintergreen 2 to 15%, Carvacrol in the range of 0.5 to 10%, Mentha oil in the range of 2 to 15%, and Spearmint oil in the range of 1 to 15%; each percentage based on the total weight of the formulation, inclusive of additives which constitute 40% to 90% of the total formulation weight. Here the additives added are selected from a group consisting of polysorbate, MCT oil, hydrogenated castor oil, and glycerine, individually or in combination. The preferred additives added are polysorbate and MCT oil.
According to another embodiment under the invention, said herbal formulation is a mixture comprised of oil of wintergreen in the range of 2 to 15%, clove oil in the range of 1 to 10%, cinnamon oil in the range of 0.5 to 5%, peppermint oil in the range of 2 to 15%; each percentage based on the total weight of the formulation inclusive of additives which constitute 40% to 90% of the total formulation weight. Here the additives added are selected from a group consisting of glycerine, polysorbate, and hydrogenated castor oil.
A selection of additives, including glyceryl monostearate, ethylene glycol monostearate, and PEG-4 dilaurate, are incorporated to improve the stability, solubility, and overall sensory experience of the formulation. These additives function as emulsifiers, stabilizers, moisturizers, and solubility enhancers, and are present in substantial proportions (ranging from 40% to 90%) to ensure the formulation remains effective across various conditions and uses.
The versatility of the formulation allows it to be integrated into a wide array of oral hygiene products, from toothpaste and mouthwashes to more innovative forms like oral strips and dental gels. Each product can contain the herbal formulation in concentrations as low as 0.1% to as specific as 0.25%, ensuring flexibility in application and effectiveness in various consumer preferences and needs.
Extensive testing, including agar well-diffusion and broth dilution methods, confirms the formulation's potent inhibitory effects against key oral pathogens such as Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus sp., and Candida albicans. This formulation also improves the sensorial properties of oral care products, providing a pleasant taste and reducing sensations such as dryness or burning post-application.
This herbal formulation is adapted to retain mouth freshness for at least 7 hours after application and demonstrates its effectiveness in reducing microbial counts in the oral cavity over a period ranging from 2 to 5 hours post-application. It also demonstrates significant reductions in volatile sulfur compounds responsible for bad breath and is effective in minimizing biofilm formation over 14 days, indicating its suitability for long-term oral health management.
It is a valuable addition to oral hygiene regimens aimed at enhancing oral health using natural, safe ingredients, thus making it an appealing choice for users seeking natural, effective oral health solutions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES GIVEN IN THE DRAWINGS:
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawing.
FIG. 1 represents the antimicrobial activity of herbal formulation in comparison with Chlorhexidine by agar well diffusion method.
FIG. 2 represents the antimicrobial activity of herbal formulation in comparison with Chlorhexidine by broth dilution method.
FIG. 3 represents the average microbial reduction after the use of herbal formulation.
FIG. 4 represents the reduction in VSC producing microbial load after the use of herbal formulation.
FIG. 5 represents the reduction in average biofilm formation after the use of herbal formulation.
FIG. 6 represents the response to post product use sensory questionnaire after the use of herbal formulation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION.
The present invention discloses a herbal formulation for reducing pathogenic microbes in the oral cavity. Herbal formulation is a clear liquid with pleasant organoleptic properties of natural oils. The formulation is water soluble and stable at high temperatures.
The herbal formulation for reducing pathogenic microbes in the oral cavity is in different dosage forms. An oral herbal mouthwash formulation of the present invention retains the mouth freshness even at 7 hours of use, it is gentle for even the most sensitive mouths, it doesn’t contain any harsh additives, and does not cause adverse events caused by synthetic ingredients.
The herbal formulation of the present invention comprises natural oils such as tea tree oil, oil of wintergreen (methyl salicylate), Carvacrol, mentaoil, spearmint oil, Cinnamon Bark oil, Clove bud oil, Celery seed oil, Fennel oil, rosemary oil, cumin oil, oregano oil, cinnamon leaf oil, cardamom oil, cassia oil, thyme oil, neem oil, tulsi oil, peppermint oil, cumin oil, bacopa oil, black pepper oil, long pepper oil, licorice oil, ginger oil, turmeric oil, methyl salicylate, jojoba oil, vanilla extract and nutmeg oil.
The herbal formulation additionally contains additives like Glyceryl monostearate, Ethylene glycol monostearate, Sorbitan tristearate, Sorbitan monostearate, Sorbitan monopalmitate, glycerine, PEG-4 dilaurate, Sucrose dipalmitate, PEG-4 monooleate, Polysorbate, PEG-8 monooleate, Propylene glycol monostearate, Sorbitan monooleate, hydrogenated castor oil, Medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, Diglycerol monostearate, Tetraglycerol monostearate, Diacetyl tartaric acid ester of monoglycerides. The additives serving as emulsifiers, stabilizers, moisturizers and solubility enhancers.
According to one embodiment under the invention, the herbal formulation comprises tea tree oil in the range of 1 to 10%, oil of wintergreen 2 to 15%, Carvacrol in the range of 0.5 to 10%, Mentha oil in the range of 2 to 15%, and Spearmint oil in the range of 1 to 15%; each percentage based on the total weight of the formulation, inclusive of additives which constitute 40% to 90% of the total formulation weight. The additives added are selected from a group consisting of polysorbate, MCT oil, hydrogenated castor oil, and glycerine, individually or in combination. The preferred additives added are polysorbate and MCT oil.
In another embodiment, said herbal formulation is a mixture comprised of oil of wintergreen in the range of 2 to 15%, clove oil in the range of 1 to 10%, cinnamon oil in the range of 0.5 to 5%, peppermint oil in the range of 2 to 15%; each percentage based on the total weight of the formulation inclusive of additives which constitute 40% to 90% of the total formulation weight. The additives added are selected from a group consisting of polysorbate, and hydrogenated castor oil.
The herbal formulation of the present invention contains active oils from natural sources in a predetermined ratio, making it useful in lowering the pathogenic microorganisms in the oral cavity. The active ingredients from natural sources in the herbal formulation cause increased bacterial membrane permeability, and destruction of the bacterial cell membrane.
There are several oral diseases caused by bacteria.
Dental caries (tooth decay): Dental caries, commonly known as cavities, is one of the most common oral diseases caused by bacteria. The bacteria responsible for tooth decay, particularly Streptococcus mutans, produce acids that break down the tooth enamel over time.
Periodontal disease (gum disease): Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and tissues that support the teeth. It is caused by the buildup of bacteria, primarily Porphyromonas gingivalis, along the gum line. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss.
Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and is characterized by inflammation of the gums. It is usually caused by the accumulation of bacterial plaque on the teeth. If not addressed, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease.
Oral infections: Bacterial infections can occur in various parts of the oral cavity, such as the tongue, cheeks, and throat. For example, oral thrush, caused by the overgrowth of Candida albicans fungus, can lead to white patches in the mouth and throat. Bacterial tonsillitis, caused by Streptococcus pyogenes or other bacteria, can cause sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and swollen tonsils.
Halitosis (bad breath): Bad breath can be caused by bacteria that produce sulfur compounds in the mouth. These bacteria typically reside on the tongue or between the teeth and can lead to unpleasant odors if not properly managed.
The herbal formulation of the present invention inhibits harmful bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus sp, and Candida albicans in the oral cavity.
The herbal formulation of the present invention is administered via various dosage forms including but not limited to toothpaste, mouthwash, liquefied toothpaste, tooth powder, dental floss, dental gel, oral spray, dental chewing gum, lozenges, chewing tablets, Oral strips, mouth freshener, Oral films, etc.
The concentration of herbal formulation in different dosage forms can be at least 0.1%. In one embodiment, the dose of herbal formulation in different dosage forms is 0.25%. The herbal formulation can be easily blended or incorporated into other matrices and improves the sensorial properties of the matrix.
In one embodiment the antimicrobial effect of the herbal formulation at different concentrations is studied by using standard agar well-diffusion and Broth dilution methods against oral pathogens. The herbal formulation showed a considerable inhibitory effect against S. mutans. Lactobacillus sp., and C. albicans. Against S. mutans and lactobacilli, chlorhexidine mouth rinse is the most effective as compared to herbal formulation with diameter zone of inhibition 34 and 45±3 and in case of C. albicans herbal blend showed 35±3 diameter ZOI against Chlorhexidine mouthwash.
In one embodiment, the efficacy of herbal mouthwash formulations on oral bacterial load count is studied in healthy adults. Herbal mouthwash formulation is effective for reducing the number of oral microbes over 2 to 5hrs.
In another embodiment, the effect of herbal formulation on microbial reduction and volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) producing microbial reduction is studied. There is a significant reduction in microbial count after the use of herbal mouthwash formulation. A significant reduction in VSC-producing microbial is found after the use of herbal mouthwash formulation.
In one embodiment, herbal formulation showed a reduction in the amount of biofilm formation in between Day 0 and Day 14.
Examples
Example 1
Preparation of herbal formulation.
To assess the antimicrobial effects and efficacy of the herbal formulation in humans, the method of preparation of the herbal formulation was carried out as follows: A blend of natural oils was formulated, consisting of at least 2% tea tree oil, 6% oil of wintergreen, 1% carvacrol, 6% mentha oil, and 5% spearmint oil. Subsequently, 80% polysorbate was added to this oil mixture. The complete blend was then homogenized to ensure a uniform and stable composition. This prepared herbal formulation was subsequently used to conduct evaluations of its antimicrobial properties at various concentrations and its overall efficacy in human subjects.
Example 2
The antimicrobial effect of the herbal formulation at different concentrations was
studied by using standard agar well-diffusion and Broth dilution methods against oral pathogens.
Agar Well Diffusion Method (ZIO)
In this method, Mueller Hinton agar plates were inoculated with 0.5 ml of 24 h broth cultures of each isolate of Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus sp and Candida albicans. After the plates were dry, two wells at equidistance were punched in each of the plates using a sterile cork borer (6 mm). Then each well was filled with 250ul of the herbal formulation at different concentrations. The same amount of control was also introduced into the wells meant for it. The plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 h for Streptococcus and 48 h for Candida albicans. The antimicrobial activity was interpreted as the diameter of zones of inhibition (in mm) (FIG.1).
Broth Dilution Method (MIC)
The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was performed by a serial dilution technique using Mueller Hinton Broth tubes. The different concentrations of herbal formulations (test samples) were individually added into Mueller Hinton Broth tubes of test organisms. The tubes were incubated and perform the plate count techniques. The lowest concentration of test sample in each treatment showing zero growth of bacteria after 24hrs was recorded as the MIC (FIG.2).
The herbal formulation showed a considerable inhibitory effect against S.mutans. Lactobacillus sp., and C. albicans. Against S. mutans and lactobacilli, chlorhexidine mouth rinse was the most effective as compared to herbal formulation with diameter zone of inhibition 34 and 45±3 and in case of C. albicans herbal blend showed 35±3 diameter ZOI against Chlorhexidine mouthwash.
Example 3
Efficacy of herbal mouthwash formulations on oral bacterial load count in healthy adults.
20 subjects were selected and asked to continue with their normal hygiene procedure. Before starting the procedure, subjects were asked to rinse their mouth with sterilized water for 60 seconds. saliva was allowed to accumulate on the floor of the mouth for approximately two minutes and by asking the subject to spit in a sterilized container. Saliva samples were collected.
Subjects were divided into two groups of 10 subjects in each group. 10 subjects were then asked to rinse their mouth with 15ml of herbal mouthwash formulation for 30 seconds and saliva samples were collected. The same procedure was repeated for equal time intervals and time periods. 10 subjects were asked to rinse their mouth with Chlorhexidine wash for 30 seconds and saliva samples were collected. The same procedure was repeated for equal time intervals and time periods. The total viable count in each saliva sample was determined.
Table 1: Average microbial count (log cfu/ml) reduction at different time intervals after herbal mouthwash formulation and Chlorhexidine mouthwash.
Average microbial count (log cfu/ml)
Before 0th hr 2nd hr 5th hr
Herbal mouth wash 7.1 3.3 4.1 4.8
Chlorhexidine mouth wash 7.1 2.7 3.1 3.6
Results indicate that herbal mouthwash formulation was effective for reducing the number of oral microbes over 2 to 5hrs.
Example 4
10 subjects were selected and asked to continue with their normal hygiene procedure. Before starting the procedure, subjects were asked to rinse their mouth with sterilized water for 60 seconds. Saliva was allowed to accumulate on the floor of the mouth for approximately two minutes and by asking the subject to spit in a sterilized container. Saliva samples were collected.
Subjects were then asked to rinse their mouth with 15ml of herbal mouthwash formulation for 30 seconds and saliva samples were collected. The procedure was repeated for equal time intervals and time periods. The average microbial reduction was measured before and after the 7th hours of use of herbal mouthwash formulation. Average volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) producing microbial reduction was taken at the 0th, 5th, and 7th hrs of use.
Average microbial reduction after the use of herbal mouthwash formulation was 48% (FIG 3). Before the use of herbal formulation, the VSC producing microbial was 6.9 cfu/ml. After the use of herbal mouthwash formulation, the VSC producing microbial was 5.5 cfu/ml at the 5th hour and 5.8 cfu/ml at 7th hour (FIG 4). The result showed a significant reduction of VSC producing microbial load.
Example 5
10 human volunteers were selected and were asked to rinse their mouth with 15ml of herbal mouthwash formulation in the morning for 14 days. The Oral swab of each volunteer was collected at the baseline and at 14 days from the beginning of the study.
The amount of Biofilm reduction was expressed as the logarithm of the number of cfu/ml of the sample as measured on Day 0 and Day 14. The results showed a significant microbial load reduction of 1.6 to 0.56 in between Day 0 and Day 14. (FIG 5).
Example 6
Sensory evaluation of the herbal mouthwash formulation was studied in 20 human subjects. Subjects were asked to rinse their mouth with 15ml of herbal mouthwash formulation for 30 seconds. After rinsing with mouthwash, subjects were provided with Post Product Use Sensory Questionnaire (PPUSQ). PPUSQ contains several sensory evaluation parameters and the percentage of subjects’ responses to each question were represented in Fig 6. Overall, 71.5% and 100% of subjects liked the herbal mouthwash formulation and its flavor, respectively. 100% of subjects stated that they would continue to use the mouthwash formulation. After the mouthwash use, about 85% of the subjects experienced moisturizing, about 71% experienced soothing, and 100% experienced refreshing sensations. A minority of subjects after the mouthwash use reported the burning (10%) and drying out (5%) sensations.
We have bought out the novel features of the invention by explaining some of its preferred embodiments thereby enabling any person skilled in the art to understand and visualize our invention. It is also to be understood that the above invention is not limited in its application to the details outlined in the above description or illustrated in the drawings. The phraseology and terminology employed herein are for description only and should not be regarded as limiting. Although the invention has been preferred embodiments thereof, variations and modifications can be affected within the scope of the invention as described herein above and as defined in the appended claims. ,CLAIMS:1. A herbal formulation for reducing pathogenic microbes in the oral cavity, comprises: a mixture of natural oils selected from tea tree oil, oil of wintergreen, carvacrol, mentha oil, spearmint oil, clove oil, cinnamon oil, peppermint oil, and additives including but not limited to emulsifiers, stabilizers, and moisturizers, each selected to enhance the stability, solubility, and efficacy of the formulation.
2. The herbal formulation for reducing pathogenic microbes in the oral cavity as claimed in claim 1, wherein said mixture comprises : tea tree oil in the range of 1 to 10%, oil of wintergreen 2 to 15%, Carvacrol in the range of 0.5 to 10%, Mentha oil in the range of 2 to 15%, and Spearmint oil in the range of 1 to 15% ; each percentage based on the total weight of the formulation, inclusive of additives which constitute 40% to 90% of the total formulation weight.
3. The herbal formulation for reducing pathogenic microbes in the oral cavity as claimed in claim 1, wherein said mixture comprises : oil of wintergreen in the range of 2 to 15%, clove oil in the range of 1 to 10%, cinnamon oil in the range of 0.5 to 5%, peppermint oil in the range of 2 to 15%; each percentage based on the total weight of the formulation inclusive of additives which constitute 40% to 90% of the total formulation weight.
4. The herbal formulation for reducing pathogenic microbes in the oral cavity as claimed in claim 1, wherein the additives, serving as emulsifiers, stabilizers, moisturizers, and solubility enhancers, are selected from a group consisting of glyceryl monostearate, ethylene glycol monostearate, sorbitan tristearate, PEG-4 dilaurater, Sucrose dipalmitate, PEG-4 monooleate, Polysorbate, PEG-8 monooleate, Propylene glycol monostearate, Sorbitan monooleate, Diglycerol monostearate, Tetraglycerol monostearate, Diacetyl tartaric acid ester of monoglycerides, glycerine, Medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil and hydrogenated castor oil, individually or in combination.
5. The herbal formulation for reducing pathogenic microbes in the oral cavity as claimed in claim 2, wherein the additives are selected from a group consisting of polysorbate, MCT oil, hydrogenated castor oil, and glycerine, individually or in combination.
6. The herbal formulation for reducing pathogenic microbes in the oral cavity as claimed in claim 2, wherein polysorbate added to the herbal formulation is in the range of 40 to 90%.
7. The herbal formulation for reducing pathogenic microbes in the oral cavity as claimed in claim 2, wherein MCT oil added to the herbal formulation is in the range of 40 to 90%.
8. The herbal formulation for reducing pathogenic microbes in the oral cavity as claimed in claim 2, wherein hydrogenated castor oil added to the herbal formulation is in the range of 40 to 90%.
9. The herbal formulation for reducing pathogenic microbes in the oral cavity as claimed in claim 2, wherein glycerine added to the herbal formulation is in the range of 40 to 90%.
10.The herbal formulation for reducing pathogenic microbes in the oral cavity as claimed in claim 3, wherein polysorbate and hydrogenated castor oil are added together to the herbal formulation is in the range of 40 to 90%.
11.The herbal formulation for reducing pathogenic microbes in the oral cavity as claimed in claim 1, wherein dosage form for delivering said herbal formulation is incorporated into oral hygiene products including but not limited to toothpaste, mouthwash, liquefied toothpaste, tooth powder, dental floss, dental gel, oral spray, dental chewing gum, lozenges, chewing tablets, Oral strips, mouth freshener, Oral films
12. The herbal formulation for reducing pathogenic microbes in the oral cavity as claimed in claim 11, wherein, the formulation is present in a concentration of at least 0.1%.
13. The herbal formulation for reducing pathogenic microbes in the oral cavity as claimed in claim 11, wherein, the formulation is present in a concentration of 0.25%.
14. The herbal formulation for reducing pathogenic microbes in the oral cavity as claimed in claim 1, wherein the formulation is adapted to retain mouth freshness for at least 7 hours after application.
15. The herbal formulation for reducing pathogenic microbes in the oral cavity as claimed in claim 1, wherein the formulation demonstrates effectiveness in reducing microbial counts in the oral cavity over a period ranging from 2 to 5 hours post-application.
16. The herbal formulation for reducing pathogenic microbes in the oral cavity as claimed in claim 1, wherein the formulation demonstrates effectiveness in reducing volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) producing microbes in the oral cavity post-application.
17. The herbal formulation for reducing pathogenic microbes in the oral cavity as claimed in claim 1, wherein the formulation is effective in reducing the amount of biofilm formation on oral surfaces between an initial application and a subsequent application over a period of 14 days.
18. The herbal formulation for reducing pathogenic microbes in the oral cavity as claimed in claim 1, wherein the formulation is particularly effective against Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus sp., and Candida albicans, as demonstrated by standard microbial inhibitory tests.
19. The herbal formulation for reducing pathogenic microbes in the oral cavity as claimed in claim 1, wherein the formulation improves sensorial properties of oral care products, providing a pleasant taste and reducing sensations such as dryness or burning post-application.