Journal of Indonesian Dental Association
Vol. 9 No. 1 (2026): April

Mouthwash Potential of Ethanol Extract of Ajwa Date Seeds (Phoenix dactylifera L.) against Porphyromonas gingivalis Bacteria

Mauriska Nada Silmi Almisky (Fakultas Kedokteran Gigi Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang)
Etny Dyah Harniati (Fakultas Kedokteran Gigi Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang)
Steffi Triany Arnov (Fakultas Kedokteran Gigi Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang)
Ariyani Faizah (Fakultas Kedokteran Gigi Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
29 Apr 2026

Abstract

Introduction: Periodontal disease is a major oral health problem worldwide, with Porphyromonas gingivalis recognized as one of the primary causative bacteria. Ajwa date seeds (Phoenix dactylifera L.) have potential for development as a natural mouthwash due to their antibaterial properties, which are attributed to various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, and saponins. Objective: To evaluate the antibacterial effect of a mouthwash containing ethanol extract of ajwa date seeds (Phoenix dactylifera L.) against the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis. Methods: This laboratory experimental study employed a post-test-only control group design. The samples were divided into five groups: a positive control, a negative control, and three treatment groups receiving mouthwash containing ethanol extract of ajwa date seeds at concentrations of 3.25%, 6.5%, and 12.5%. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the disc diffusion method on Mueller–Hinton Agar (MHA), with six replicates for each group. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) post hoc test. Results: Mouthwash containing ethanol extract of ajwa date seeds inhibited the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis, as demonstrated by the formation of inhibition zones around the discs. A concentration-dependent increase in the diameter of the inhibition zone was observed. The mean inhibition zone diameters were 10.175 mm, 12.300 mm, and 14.442 mm for the 3.25%, 6.5%, and 12.5% extract concentrations. Conclusion: Mouthwash containing ethanol extract of ajwa date seeds (Phoenix dactylifera L.) significantly inhibited the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis. The antibacterial activity in 12.5% concentration demonstrating the greatest inhibitory effect.  

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jida

Publisher

Subject

Dentistry

Description

The first edition of JIDA will be launched by Indonesian Dental Association (PBPDGI) on October 2018. JIDA, a biannually published scientific journal, is an open access, peer-reviewed journal that supports all topics in Oral and Dental Sciences, including to Biochemistry, Conservative ...