Data on study titled: Lycium barbarum (Goji berry) mouthwash is a viable alternative to 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate for managing chronic periodontitis: a randomized clinical trial

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 that have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties are used as adjuncts to SRP for managing chronic periodontitis. However, with the 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 recent need to explore new plant-based products for treating periodontal disease. <em>Lycium barbarum (L. barbarum</em>), or goji berry, is recently gained popularity for managing chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases. However, its efficacy in managing periodontal diseases has never been explored. To evaluate the efficacy of <em>L. barbarum</em> 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 <em>L. barbarum</em> 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 levels) 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: <em>L. barbarum</em> mouthwash along with SRP was found to be effective in managing periodontal disease. <br>