The aim of this double blind study was to evaluate the effect of various mouthwashes: Chlorhexidine, Essential oil, Azadirachta indica (Neem) extract, and Povidone iodine on gingival tissue interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) levels in patients with chronic gingivitis. A total of 8O patients (42 boys, 38 girls; mean age 16.0 +/- 1.8 years) were included in this study. Patients were randomly assigned into four groups of 20 each: Group I--Azadirachta indica (Neem) extract, Group II--Essential oil, Group III--Povidone iodine, and Group IV--Chlorhexidine. They were instructed to use these mouthwashes for two weeks. Plaque and gingival indices scores, and IL-2 and IFN-gamma levels in the gingival tissues were measured at baseline and after two weeks of mouthwash use. Results showed the reduction of plaque and gingival indices, and IL-2 and IFN-gamma level with Chlorhexidine, Essential oil, and Povidone iodine, which were found to be statistically significant. Although Neem reduced the level of plaque and gingival indices, and IL-2 and IFN-gamma to a certain level, it was not statistically significant. Therefore, Chlorhexidine, Essential oil, and Povidone iodine mouthwashes can be used as an adjunct to oral prophylaxis in reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-2 and IFN-gamma in patients with chronic gingivitis.
Adolescent Adult