To compare the antiplaque and antigingivitis efficacy of 1.25% holy basil mouthwash to 0.2% chlorhexidine. 30 systemically healthy subjects where divided in three groups by randomization and were asked to refrain from maintaining mechanical measures for oral oral hygiene for 5 days and used one of the randomly assigned mouthwash (Group I - 0.2% chlorhexidine, Group II - 1.25% holy basil, Group III - sterile water.) Plaque index (PI) and Gingival index (GI) was assessed at day 0 and 5. Inter group comparison of all the parameters at baseline and 5 day using ANOVA revealed statistically significant result outcome. The results indicated that the 1.25% holy basil mouthwash has an anti-plaque effect. Hence, the prophylactic benefits of this anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis mouthwash could be beneficial in clinical settings.

Keywords : Chlorhexidine, Plaque, Holiy Basil, Gingivitis Mouthwash