In vitro evaluation of anti-microbial efficacy of Trigonella foenum-graecum and its constituents on oral biofilms.

Background and objective: The extracts obtained from the leaves and seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) are effective against various microbial infections. The phytoconstituents of Trigonella foenum-graecum have shown promising effects as anti-diabetics, anti-helmentic, anti-microbial, antifungal, and antipyretic, but its impact on oral pathogens is yet to be established. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the antimicrobial efficacy of phytoconstituents of Trigonella foenum-graecum as compared to 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX).

Materials and methods: The methanolic extracts of Trigonella foenum-graecum i.e., fenugreek absolute (FA), diosgenin (DIO), and furanone (FU) were used in this study. The antimicrobial efficacy of these extracts was evaluated by testing the minimal inhibitory concentration, minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC), agar well-diffusion assay, colony-forming unit (CFU) count, and also by using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Escherichia coli ATCC 35218, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853.

Results: The results of the study demonstrated that Trigonella foenum-graecum has anti-microbial activity comparable to 0.2% CHX. Well-diffusion assay and CFU count assay of the extracts showed statistically significant (P < 0.001) results. MIC and MBC values were observed for FA, DIO, and FU compared to CHX against these selected test organisms. These results were confirmed by visual validation with CLSM.

Conclusion: The use of herbal alternatives in periodontics might prove to be advantageous. Trigonella foenum-graecum can be used as a promising alternative to CHX against S. aureus, E. faecalis, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa for the management of oral and periodontal infections.