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Background Removal of the microbial deposits (plaque and calculus) by performing effective scaling and root planing (SRP) is the fundamental step for managing periodontal disease (gingivitis and periodontitis). Various adjuncts in the form of mouthwash, gels, and toothpaste are also being used as adjuncts to SRP for managing periodontitis. Recently, Lycium barbarum (L. barbarum), commonly known as goji berry or wolfberry, has gained popularity for managing chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases. However, its efficacy in managing periodontitis has never been explored. Hence the present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of goji berry mouthwash compared to chlorhexidine mouthwash for managing periodontitis. Methods 60 adult participants were divided randomly using computer-generated random sequences into two groups (case group: L. barbarum mouthwash (Males: 16; Female: 14); control group: 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash (Males: 14; Females: 16)). The changes in the gingival index (Gi), plaque index (Pi), bleeding on probing (BOP), clinical attachment loss (CAL), probing pocket depth (PPD), microbial load, and antioxidant levels (protein thiol) in saliva were noted at the baseline, at 15 days and one month. Results A significant reduction in the mean PPD, Pi, BOP, and Gi was seen from baseline to one month in both the control (P-value=0.006, 0.027, 0.000, and 0.036 respectively) and test groups (P-value=0.035, 0.000, 0.034, and 0.000 respectively). However, the antioxidant levels (protein thiol) in saliva were significantly increased only in the test group. Conclusion Goji berry mouthwash along with SRP reduced the Gi, Pi, BOP, and PPD in patients with periodontitis. However, no statistically significant difference was noted between the use of goji berry and chlorhexidine mouthwash. Goji berry mouthwash was more effective than chlorhexidine in increasing the antioxidant levels in saliva.

Objective: To estimate the association of patient-related demographic, socioeconomic status, physical activity, stress, and dietary factors influencing the relationship between salivary and blood glucose levels in individuals with and without diabetes mellitus (DM). Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 166 participants with and without DM. Saliva and blood were collected to estimate the glucose levels. Age, gender, occupation, socioeconomic and education level, BMI, hip to waist circumference, stress, dietary pattern, lifestyle, physical activity, family history of diabetes, and type of diabetes were recorded. The association of saliva to predict blood glucose levels was analysed using Spearman Rank Correlation and how these patient-related factors influence the correlation was estimated for future machine learning models. The difference in medians for various groups was calculated using the Mann-Whitney U Test or Kruskal Wallis Test. Results: Blood glucose level is not significantly correlated to salivary glucose level. However, a statistically significant difference in the median blood glucose levels for diabetic participants (median = 137) compared to healthy controls (p-value < .05) was noted. The correlation between blood and salivary glucose was more positive for higher levels of glucose (Spearman 0.4). Age, alcohol consumption, monthly wages, intake of vegetables, and socioeconomic status affect blood glucose levels. Conclusion: A correlation between saliva and blood glucose levels in healthy individuals was weak. Saliva should only be used as a monitoring tool rather than a diagnostic tool and is more reliable for patients with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus.

Introduction: There is a need for designing non-invasive methods to predict blood glucose levels to ensure timely diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus. Needle anxiety and bleeding disorders preclude many from undertaking blood tests. Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to assess if biomarkers like saliva can be used to estimate blood glucose levels. The second objective was to develop and evaluate Machine Learning (ML) models to predict blood glucose levels based on salivary glucose and associated features. An insight into the patient's features, which was important for predicting blood glucose levels, was also required. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, and blood and saliva samples, along with patient-related data, were collected from healthy and diabetic patients. ML techniques were applied to the data to develop a tool for predicting blood glucose levels using patient features. The prediction intervals were computed, clinical accuracy was assessed, and important features for the prediction were identified. Results: The Random Forest Regressor Model, with features identified using the wrapper method, was selected as the best, with an average RMSE of 43.28. The prediction intervals were computed for point estimate, MAE = 23.821, and coverage was 100 percent, the clinical accuracy was compared with that of glucometers and continuous monitoring systems. All predicted values are in Zones A and B of the Clarke error grid, and the bias was 6.41. The most important feature for predicting blood glucose level is salivary glucose level, followed by known risk factors like Family History, BMI, etc. The study found that salivary glucose levels are insufficient to classify blood glucose levels as high or normal. Conclusion: The study concluded that salivary glucose with associated patient features could be a potential non-invasive biomarker for predicting blood glucose levels in patients. The developed ML model could be deployed in a device that inputs patient features, analyzes salivary glucose, and can monitor blood glucose levels in a non-invasive manner. Further research is needed to validate the findings of this study and develop a proof of concept.

Background Removal of the microbial deposits (plaque and calculus) by performing effective scaling and root planing (SRP) is the fundamental step for managing periodontal disease (gingivitis and periodontitis). Various adjuncts in the form of mouthwash, gels, and toothpaste are also being used as adjuncts to SRP for managing periodontitis. Recently, Lycium barbarum ( L. barbarum), commonly known as goji berry or wolfberry, has gained popularity for managing chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases. However, its efficacy in managing periodontitis has never been explored. Hence the present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of goji berry mouthwash compared to chlorhexidine mouthwash for managing periodontitis. Methods 60 adult participants were divided randomly using computer-generated random sequences into two groups (case group: L. barbarum mouthwash (Males: 16; Female: 14); control group: 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash (Males: 14; Females: 16)). The changes in the gingival index (Gi), plaque index (Pi), bleeding on probing (BOP), clinical attachment loss (CAL), probing pocket depth (PPD), microbial load, and antioxidant levels (protein thiol) in saliva were noted at the baseline, at 15 days and one month. Results A significant reduction in the mean PPD, Pi, BOP, and Gi was seen from baseline to one month in both the control (P-value=0.006, 0.027, 0.000, and 0.036 respectively) and test groups (P-value=0.035, 0.000, 0.034, and 0.000 respectively). However, the antioxidant levels (protein thiol) in saliva were significantly increased only in the test group. Conclusion Goji berry mouthwash along with SRP reduced the Gi, Pi, BOP, and PPD in patients with periodontitis. However, no statistically significant difference was noted between the use of goji berry and chlorhexidine mouthwash. Goji berry mouthwash was more effective than chlorhexidine in increasing the antioxidant levels in saliva.

Background Removal of the microbial deposits (plaque and calculus) by performing effective scaling and root planing (SRP) is the fundamental step for managing periodontal disease (gingivitis and periodontitis). Various adjuncts in the form of mouthwash, gels, and toothpaste are also being used as adjuncts to SRP for managing periodontitis. Recently, Lycium barbarum ( L. barbarum), commonly known as goji berry or wolfberry, has gained popularity for managing chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases. However, its efficacy in managing periodontitis has never been explored. Hence the present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of goji berry mouthwash compared to chlorhexidine mouthwash for managing periodontitis. Methods 60 adult participants were divided randomly using computer-generated random sequences into two groups (case group: L. barbarum mouthwash (Males: 16; Female: 14); control group: 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash (Males: 14; Females: 16)). The changes in the gingival index (Gi), plaque index (Pi), bleeding on probing (BOP), clinical attachment loss (CAL), probing pocket depth (PPD), microbial load, and antioxidant levels (protein thiol) in saliva were noted at the baseline, at 15 days and one month. Results A significant reduction in the mean PPD, Pi, and Gi was seen from baseline to one month in both the control (P-value=0.006, 0.027, and 0.036 respectively) and test groups (P-value=0.035, 0.000, and 0.000 respectively). CAL was reduced significantly only in the control group. However, the antioxidant levels (protein thiol) in saliva were significantly increased only in the test group. Conclusion Goji berry mouthwash along with SRP reduced the Gi, Pi, BOP, and PPD in patients with periodontitis. However, no statistically significant difference was noted between the use of goji berry and chlorhexidine mouthwash. Goji berry mouthwash was more effective than chlorhexidine in increasing the antioxidant levels in saliva.

Background Removal of the microbial deposits (plaque and calculus) by performing effective scaling and root planing (SRP) is the fundamental step for managing periodontal disease (gingivitis and periodontitis). Various adjuncts in the form of mouthwash, gels, and toothpaste are also being used as adjuncts to SRP for managing periodontitis. Recently, Lycium barbarum ( L. barbarum), commonly known as goji berry or wolfberry, has gained popularity for managing chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases. However, its efficacy in managing periodontitis has never been explored. Hence the present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of goji berry mouthwash compared to chlorhexidine mouthwash for managing periodontitis. Methods 60 adult participants were divided randomly using computer-generated random sequences into two groups (case group: L. barbarum mouthwash (Males: 16; Female: 14); control group: 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash (Males: 14; Females: 16)). The changes in the gingival index (Gi), plaque index (Pi), bleeding on probing (BOP), clinical attachment loss (CAL), probing pocket depth (PPD), microbial load, and antioxidant levels (protein thiol) in saliva were noted at the baseline, at 15 days and one month. Results A significant reduction in the mean PPD, Pi, and Gi was seen from baseline to one month in both the control (P-value=0.006, 0.027, and 0.036 respectively) and test groups (P-value=0.035, 0.000, and 0.000 respectively). CAL was reduced significantly only in the control group. However, the antioxidant levels (protein thiol) in saliva were significantly increased only in the test group. Conclusion Goji berry mouthwash along with SRP reduced the Gi, Pi, BOP, and PPD in patients with periodontitis. However, no statistically significant difference was noted between the use of goji berry and chlorhexidine mouthwash. Goji berry mouthwash was more effective than chlorhexidine in increasing the antioxidant levels in saliva.

Background: Removal of the microbial deposits (plaque and calculus) by performing effective scaling and root planing (SRP) is the primary and fundamental requirement for managing periodontal disease. Various adjuncts with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties are used as adjuncts to SRP for managing chronic periodontitis. However, with a rapid rise in antimicrobial resistance to several antimicrobial agents along with the increased risk of adverse effects, the use the conventional chemotherapeutic agents for managing periodontal disease is slowly declining. Hence, there is a urgent need to explore new plant-based products for treating periodontal disease. Lycium barbarum (L. barbarum), or goji berry, has recently gained popularity for managing chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases. However, its efficacy in managing periodontal diseases has never been explored. Hence the present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of L. barbarum mouthwash along with SRP compared to chlorhexidine for managing chronic periodontitis. Methods: The study is designed as a randomized clinical trial with 57 adult participants (Males:29; Females:28) with chronic periodontitis. The participants were divided randomly into two groups: One group used L. barbarum mouthwash and the other group used ‘0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate’ mouthwash. The changes in the gingival index (Gi), plaque index (Pi), bleeding on probing (BOP), clinical attachment loss (CAL), probing pocket depth (PPD), microbial load, and antioxidant levels (protein thiol) in saliva were noted at the baseline, at 15 days and one month. Results: A statistically significant difference was noted in the Pi (P-value = 0.791), Gi (P-value= 0.594), PPD (with P-value= 0.134), and microbial levels (P-value = 0.188) in both groups from the baseline. The protein thiol levels in saliva were increased only in the goji berry group. Conclusion: L. barbarum mouthwash along with SRP was found to be effective in managing periodontal disease.