Antimicrobial Efficacy of Essential Oils and Their Combination Against Microorganisms Associated With Postradiation Therapy in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer: An In Vitro Study

Background Head and neck cancer ranks as the sixth most common globally. Reduced saliva production brought on by postradiation therapy upsets delicate balance between bacterial load a weakened immune system. Oral hygiene is commonly neglected in patients who have undergone radiotherapy they often develop dry mouth, mucositis due to radiation therapy, etc., side effects. Despite being part of current standard, chlorhexidine carries numerous disadvantages such taste alteration, teeth staining, mouth. An extensive review literature demonstrates antibacterial properties essential oils (EOs) derived from plant materials, which may be able prevent development opportunistic microorganisms oral cavity. Methodology The cinnamon bark EO Cajeput were procured checked for their solubility. final ratio at found soluble was 1:1 (w/v) ratio. minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) oil (Cinnamomum verum) (Melaleuca leucadendron) against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Candida albicans determined serial dilution method using Resazurin dye, bactericidal (MBC) done spread plating method. polyherbal mouthwash subjected cytotoxicity assay human gingival fibroblasts. All experiments performed triplicates. Results overall results showed that had strongest efficacy S. aureus (0.33 ± 0.14 mg/mL) E. faecalis (0.41 mg/mL), but not C. (2.85 2.11 mg/mL). least all groups; whereas combination EOs proved efficacious good antimicrobial activity these encountered head postradiotherapy. Conclusions Cinnamon effective this vitro study with postradiotherapy are comparable 0.2% chlorhexidine.