Assessment of the Antimicrobial Effect of Momordica charantia (Bitter Gourd Oil) on Periodontal Pathogens: An In Vitro Study

Background Chronic periodontitis is primarily caused by various bacterial species present in the plaque biofilm, which trigger a host inflammatory response. This leads to the abnormal release of inflammatory mediators such as proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α), which are free radicals that cause alveolar bone resorption and tooth loss. ​​​Momordica charantia (bitter gourd) is a widely used medicinal plant for the treatment of numerous diseases such as skin infections, diabetes, metabolic disorders, and carcinomas for several decades. Momordica charantia modulates the host immune response and inhibits the formation of proinflammatory mediators, thereby preventing periodontal tissue destruction. Aim This study aims to assess the antimicrobial activity of bitter gourd oil against early colonizing microorganisms of chronic periodontitis. Materials and methods In this in vitro study, plaque samples were obtained from 10 subjects with chronic periodontitis. Streptococcus pyogenes were subcultured from plaque samples, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of bitter gourd oil was determined using the disc diffusion method. The presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, quinones, flavonoids, and phenols in Momordica charantia (bitter gourd oil) was determined by phytochemical testing. Statistical analysis was conducted using the ANOVA test. Results Phytochemical analysis identified alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenols in the oil sample. The higher concentrations of Momordica charantia oilexhibited larger zones of inhibition against Streptococcus pyogenes. Conclusion Momordica charantia demonstrates antibacterial properties against Streptococcus pyogenes, making it a potential therapy for periodontal disease. Due to the setbacks of various antimicrobial agents such as drug interactions and antimicrobial resistance, medicinal plants such as Momordica charantia can serve as an alternative and desirable choice of treatment in patients with chronic periodontitis.