Abstract:
This invention relates to novel dental compositions and methods for preventing dental plaque and caries formation and generally for inhibiting tooth decay and brightening/whitening teeth. The compositions of this invention comprise herbs such as  Citrus karna  raf.,  Zanthoxylum armatum  D.C. and  Azadirachta indica  A. Juss. thereof which can be combined with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or diluents to be administered in the form of conventional dental compositions. The compositions of the present invention, also preferably, contain  Mint.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to synergistic herbal oro-dental care composition used for preventing dental problems and a process for preparing the same. More particularly, the composition comprises herbs such as  Citrus karna, Zanthoxylum armatum, Azadirachta indica  and  Oriza sativa.    
     BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART 
     Bacterial aggregation on the teeth is known as plaque and causes dental caries, gingivitis, periodontitis and other gum diseases. A variety of microorganisms are present in the oral cavity. These range from the natural flora of the host to pathogenic species. Among these microorganisms are the gram-positive rods associated with the formation of plaque (a dense, enamel-adherent, microorganism-containing polysaccharide matrix). Specific areas, including periodontal and sub gingival spaces and interpapillary spaces of the tongue present environments that harbor bacteria. These spaces are difficult to reach by tooth brushing, and are only moderately affected by standard mouthwashes. Mechanical methods have been used for some time for the prevention of dental plaque but have not generally achieved sufficient results. Studies have shown that mechanical methods, such as the use of dental floss and inter-space brushes do not efficiently eliminate plaque. The persistence of these microorganisms in such environments greatly increases the risk of calculus and plaque build-up and carrier formation, which in turn presents the danger of gingival inflammation and periodontal disease. Thus, chemical plaque control as a substitute or supplement to mechanical methods is sought.  Azadiracta indica  is useful for anti bacterial/antiprotozoal activity and eliminating plaque from the tooth. 
     The essential oil obtained from the peal off of  Citrus karna  is useful for discoloration of teeth or tongue, desquamation and soreness of oral mucosa, while avoiding objectionable taste, toxicity and imbalance of the oral flora. Whereas chemicals like chlorhexidine are known to stain teeth, and has been know to cause tissue necrosis of the tongue and gums which may persist in tissue. The chemically also generally have poor cleansing qualities. Hydrogen peroxide has poor antibacterial properties, but works very well by using bursts of oxygen to flush out debris and cleanse the oral cavity. 
     The Botanical descriptions of various plants which are known for use in various dental problems include: 
       Oriza sativa  Family: Poaceae 
     Botanical description: Rice is one of the oldest of food crops and has been in cultivation in India, China, Java and East Africa from very ancient time. Carbonized paddy grains and husks have been found in the excavations at Hastinapur (Uttar Pradesh) dated 1,000-800 B.C. It is an annual or perennial grass without a rhizome; leaves long and narrow, 30-50 cm.×1.2-2.5 cm., slightly pubescent with spiny hairs on the margin.
 
 Citrus karna  Raf. Family: Rutaceae
 
Botanical description: Medium trees 3-9 m tall, branches spreading spinous, spines long, sharp up to 5 cm long; Lvs. unifoliolate, petiole 1.0-1.5 cm long, marginate to very narrowly winged, lamina 9.0-10.5×5.5-6.0 cm, elliptic-oblong or elliptic-ovate, base rounded, apex subacute/retuse, maggins serrulate, coriaceous, green, flowers axillary, solitary, or in 3 or 4 nate cymes, pedicels green, short ca 5 mm long, calyx copular 5 mm long, 7 mm broad, greenish-white with purplish tinged dorsally, 20 mm long 6 mm broad, base truncate, apex obtuse, imbricate in bulbs, wide opening, narrowly oblong, slightly asymmetric above; Flowers male and bisexual, stamens about 25, irregularly polyadlphous, filament short and long, white; anthers yellowish, disc greenish, annular, lobed, pistillodes minute, ovary green, 5 mm long, oblong; style greenish-white, 1 cm long; stigma capitate, 3-4 mm long; Disc green, annular; Fruits solitary or 3-4 in end of branchlets, fruiting pedicels short, attachment not strong, 9-12×8-10 cm base concave, apex sharply mammilate, mammae flat to broad, shape subglobose to subobovoid, epicarp orange-yellowish, thick, bumpy, warty, glandular (pitted) about 1 mm thick, glands dimorphic in cross section, mesocarp white, spongy, up to 2 cm thick, sweetish endocarp 8 or 9 segments, attachment strong, flesh orange-yellowish, juice sour, aromatic, central axis solid to semi hollow, white, juice glands slender, tapering; Seeds 10-12 mm long, 4-6 mm broad, ovoid—oblong, seed coat creamy white, streaked, inner coat grey-brownish, cotyledon white, chalazal spot reddish, polyembryonic.
 
 Azadirachta indica  A. Juss. Family: Meliaceae
 
Botanical description: Commonly called Neem, abundantly found in Indian sub-continent. It is a large sized evergreen tree, with alternate, exstipulate green coloured bitter leaves, new leaves may appear in March-April.
 
Phytochemistry: Siddiqui (1942) isolated crystalline bitter compound nimbidin, Butterworth and Morgan (1968) isolated azadiractin in crystalline form.
 
Medicinal use:  Azadirachta indica , a plant used widely in Ayurveda, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and adaptogenic properties. The present study evaluates its hepatoprotective role. Fresh juice of tender leaves of  Azadirachta indica  (200 mg/kg body wt. p.o.) inhibited paracetamol (2 g/kg body wt. p.o.)-induced lipid peroxidation and prevented depletion of sulffhydryl groups in liver cells. There was an increase in serum marker enzymes of hepatic damage (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase) after paracetamol administration.  Azadirachta indica  pretreatment stabilized the serum levels of these enzymes. Histopathological observations of liver tissues corroborated these findings (Yanpallewar, 2003). Neem is one of the most widely researched tropical tree, with almost all it&#39;s parts being put for a variety of uses. In the present study, the antibacterial effect of Neem mouthwash against salivary levels of streptococcus mutans and lactobacillus has been tested over a period of two months. Also it&#39;s effect in reversing incipient carious lesions was assessed. While streptococcus mutans were inhibited by Neem mouthwashes, with or without alcohol as well as chlorhexidine, lactobacillus growth was inhibited by chlorhexidine alone. The initial data appears to prove it&#39;s effect in inhibiting S. mutans and reversing incipient carious lesions, longer term clinical trials are essential (Vanka et. al. 2001)
 
Pharmacology: Hepatoprotective activity of  Azadirachta indica  leaf extract against paracetamol induced hepatic damage in rats has already been reported. In the present investigation effects of  Azadirachta indica  leaf extract on blood and liver glutathione, Na(+)K(+)-ATPase activity and thiobarbutiric acid reactive substances against paracetamol induced hepatic damage in rats have been studied with a view to elucidate possible mechanism behind its hepatoprotective action; it was interesting to observe that  Azadirachta indica  leaf extract has reversal effects on the levels of above mentioned parameters in paracetamol hepatotoxicity (Chattopadhyay 2003). Azadirone-1, a limonoidal constituent of  Azadirachta indica  is found to possess potent cytotoxic activity against a panel of human cancer cell lines in our in vitro studies. In vitro screening of a number of semi-synthetic analogues of 1 revealed that the alpha,beta-unsaturated enone moiety or its equivalent conjugated system in A-ring, C-7 acetyloxy/chloroacetyloxy or keto group in B-ring and the furan moiety are responsible for the activity of 1 and its analogues. Compound 1 and two of the semi-synthetic analogues 10 and 13 were found to possess good in vivo antitumor activity in modified hollow fiber animal models (Nanduri, 2003).
 
 Zanthoxylum armatum  D.C. Family: Rutaceae
 
Botanical description: Commonly known as Timur or Nepali Dhaniya, An armed, scandent or erect shrub or a small tree, 6 m. tall or more with dense foliage, found in a hot valleys of the Himalaya from Jammu to Bhutan at altitudes of 1,000-2,000 m. in Khasi hills at 600-1,800 m. and in the eastern ghats of in Orissa and Andhra Pradesh at 1,200 m. The dried pericarp of ripe fruit of  Zanthoxylum  spp. of family Rutaceae, has been used for epigastric pain accompanied by cold sensation, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain due to intestinal parasitosis, ascariasis and used externally for eczema. The external features as characters of pericarp, the occurrence of hairs on fruit stalk, the presence and location of pigment and crystals of hesperidin, the thickness of the cell walls of endocarp and the presence and shape of nonglandular hairs on fruit stalk were important for the identification of these drugs.
 
Medicinal uses: The bark, fruits and seeds are extensively used in indigenous system of medicines as a carminative, stomachic and anthelmintic. An extract of fruits is reported to be effective in expelling round worms. Because of their deodorant, disinfectant and antiseptic properties, the fruits are used in dental troubles, and their lotion for scobies.
 
Phytochemistry: The essential oil obtained from seeds contains Linalool (64.1%), Linalyl acetate, citral, geraniol methyl cinnamate, limonene, sabinene etc. A new amide designated as armatamide (I)-along with two lignans, asarinin and fargesin, alpha- and beta-amyrins, lupeol, and beta-sitosterol-beta-D-glucoside-has been isolated from the bark of  Zanthoxylum armatum . The structure of the new compound was deduced by spectral and chemical analysis as N-(4′-methoxyphenyl ethyl)-3, 4-methylenedioxy cinnamoyl amide (Kalia et al, 1999).
 
Pharmacology: A total of 11 methanol extracts obtained from four different Nepalese Zanthoxylum species were screened for their antiproliferative activity against the growth of human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). The extract obtained from  Z. armatum  barks was highly active with an IC50 value of 11 micrograms/mL. Also, the extracts obtained from  Z. oxyphyllum  barks and roots with IC50 values of 53 and 57 micrograms/mL, respectively, showed potent activity. Their antiproliferative activity was not due to cytotoxic effects on cell membranes, as documented by the activity of lactate dehydrogenase released from the cytoplasm of keratinocytes, which did not exceed that of the control value. Rather, they also protected against radical-induced damage to model membranes stimulated with 2,2′-azo-bis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (Kumar &amp; Muller, 1999).
 
     OBJECTIVE OF INVENTION 
     The objective of the present invention is to provide a synergistic herbal oro-dental care composition useful for various dental problems. 
     Another objective of the present invention is to provide a composition for treating teeth, for the removal of plaque and caries, and for the prevention of the build-up of calculus. 
     Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a novel composition useful in cleansing and brightening teeth and in the treating of plaque and gingivitis without any adverse side effects. 
     Another objective of the present invention is to provide dental compositions, which would cause little or no ecological imbalance of the oral flora. 
     Further objective of the present invention is to provide a composition comprising a combination of  Citrus karna, Zanthoxylum armatum  DC and  Azadirachta indica  and conventional toothpaste ingredients, wherein this composition possesses improved anti-plaque, anti-gingivitis, and cleansing activity.
 
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a method for treating teeth, which removes plaque and caries, without damaging the teeth.
 
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a method of treating teeth by dissolving away or dispersing plaque and caries, thus essentially eliminating the need for mechanical removal.
 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention provides a synergistic herbal oro-dental care composition comprising  Citrus karna, Zanthoxylum armatum, Azadirachta indica  and  Oriza sativa  and optionally one or more additives which not only provides beneficiary effects of the individual ingredients, but is also highly effective in various dental problems. 
     The present synergistic herbal oro-dental care composition comprising 20-30% by weight of powdered parts or extract of  Citrus karna,  20-30% by weight of powdered parts or extract of  Zanthoxylum armatum,  20-30% by weight of powdered parts or extract of  Azadirachta indica,  20-30% by weight of powdered parts or extract of Oriza sativa and optionally one or more additives. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TABLES 
     TABLE 1 Shows selection of volunteers of age as described below. 
     TABLE 2 Compares the taste of different compositions. 
     TABLE 3 Compares the odor of different compositions. 
     TABLE 4 Compares the texture of different compositions. 
     TABLE 5 Shows effect of the composition (F1) with and without citrus karna on dental problems and its effect 
     TABLE 6 Shows effect of the composition (F4) on dental problems and its effect. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION 
     Accordingly the present invention relates to a synergistic herbal Oro-dental care composition comprising 20-30% by weight of powdered parts or extract of  Citrus karna,  20-30% by weight of powdered parts or extract of  Zanthoxylum armatum,  20-30% by weight of powdered parts or extract of  Azadirachta indica,  20-30% by weight of powdered parts or extract of  Oriza sativa  and optionally one or more additives. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, a synergistic herbal oro-dental care composition for the treatment of halitosis &amp; mouth ulcers comprising the pastes or powders of charred husk of  Oriza sativa, Citrus karna, Azadirachta indica, Zanthoxylum armatum  and Mint 20-30%, 20-30%, 20-30%, 20-30%, and 0.5-5%, respectively. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, the dental care composition is used in the form of powder, paste, gel, dental pack, dental floss, mouthwash and chewing gum. 
     In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the dental care composition is tooth powder. 
     In yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein  Citrus karna  used is in powder form or as an extract and is obtained from citrus karna fruit peal or leaf or flowers. 
     In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the  Zanthoxylum armatum  is used in powder form or extract and is obtained from flowers, leaves roots or fruits of  Zanthoxylum armatum.    
     In yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein  Azadirachta indica  used is in powder form or as an alcoholic extract and is obtained from twigs, bark, seeds or leaves of  Azadirachta indica.    
     In yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein  Oriza sativa  used is in the form of carbon black charred husk. 
     In a further embodiment of the present invention, wherein the additives added are selected from the group consisting aromatizing agent, flavoring agent, sweeteners, colorants, polishing material, organic acid, alcohol, essential oils, exert carminative, antiseptic and analgesic agent. 
     In still further embodiment of the present invention, wherein alcohol used is ethanol. 
     In still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein aromatizing agent used is mint. 
     In yet embodiment of the present invention, wherein mint used are peppermint or pericarpmint. 
     In yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein polishing material is abrasive particulate, having particle size up to 20 microns. 
     In yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein organic acid used is acetic acid. 
     In yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein flavoring agents used are natural or artificials cinnamon-clove beads. 
     In yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein flavoring agents used are selected form cinnamon-clove beads, citrus flavor, such as orange and lemon and vanilla. 
     In still yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein said composition is useful in treating discolored teeth, tongue, soreness of oral mucosa, stomatitis, ulcers, traumatic lesions of the mucus, chronic, recurrent cankers, plaque, halitos, gingivitics, dental extraction caries in teeth, gum, stomatitis, calculi, turtar formation, cankers, in protecting oral mucus against lipid peroxidation due to formation of free radicals and against contaminates (ozone, cigarette, smoke) and for soothing, curative, anti-inflammatory effect on epithelial lesions and reducing pain produced by putting false teeth in place.
 
Further embodiment of the present invention is a synergistic herbal oro-dental care composition, said process comprising the step of mixing 20-30% by weight of powdered parts or extract of  Citrus karna,  20-30% by weight of powdered parts or extract of  Zanthoxylum armatum,  20-30% by weight of powdered parts or extract of  Azadirachta indica,  20-30% by weight of powdered parts or extract of  Oriza sativa  and optionally one or more additives.
 
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, powder form of the citrus karna,  Zanthoxylum armatum, Azadirachta indica  and  Oriza sativa  are obtained by drying leaves or rhizome or aerial parts of plants and grinding them in powder form
 
Yet another embodiment of the present invention,  Citrus karna  used is in powder form and is obtained from  citrus karna  peal off.
 
Yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the  Zanthoxylum armatum  is used in powder form and is obtained from flowers, leaves, roots or fruits of  Zanthoxylum armatum.  
 
Yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein  Azadirachta indica  used is in powder form and obtained from twigs, bark or leaves of  Azadirachta indica . Yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein  Oriza sativa  used is in the form of Carbon Black chared husk.
 
Still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein extracts of citrus karna, or  Zanthoxylum armatum  or  Azadirachta indica  or  Oriza sativa  are obtained by extracting powder parts of the same with the aqueous alcohol for 4 to 10 days under reduced pressure and at a temperature in the range of 40 to 60° C.
 
Yet another embodiment of the present invention, the ratio between the powdered plants and the aqueous alcohols is in the range of 1:8 to 1:15. Yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the additives added are selected from the group comprising aromatizing agent, flavoring agents, sweeteners, colorants, polishing material and organic acid.
 
Still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein aromatizing agent used is mint.
 
Yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein mint used are peppermint or pericarpmint.
 
Yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein polishing material is abrasive particulate, having particle size up to 20 microns.
 
Yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein organic acid used is acetic acid.
 
Yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein flavoring agents used are natural or artificial cinnamon-clove beads.
 
Yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein flavoring agent used are selected form cinnamon-clove beads, citrus flavor such as orange and lemon and vanilla.
 
     A further embodiment of the present invention relates to use of oro-dental care composition comprising 20-30% by weight of powdered parts or extract of  Citrus karna,  20-30% by weight of powdered parts or extract of  Zanthoxylum armatum,  20-30% by weight of powdered parts or extract of  Azadirachta indica , 20-30% by weight of powdered parts or extract of  Oriza sativa  and optionally one or more additives for treating discolored teeth, tongue, soreness of oral mucosa, stomatitis, ulcers, traumatic lesions of the mucus, chronic, recurrent cankers, plaque, halitosis, gingivitis, dental extraction caries in teeth, gum, stomatitis, calculi, tartar formation, cankers, in protecting oral mucus against lipid peroxidation due to formation of free radicals and against contaminates (ozone, cigarette, smoke) and for soothing, curative, anti-inflammatory effect on epithelial lesions and reducing pain produced by putting false teeth in place. 
     A further embodiment of the present invention relates to use of oro-dental care wherein, composition comprising 20-30% by weight of powdered parts or extract of  Citrus karna,  20-30% by weight of powdered parts or extract of  Zanthoxylum armatum,  20-30% by weight of powdered parts or extract of  Azadirachta indica , 20-30% by weight of powdered parts or extract of  Oriza sativa  and optionally one or more additives for treating discolored teeth, tonge, sorness of oral mucosa, stomatitis, ulcers, traumatic lesions of the mucus, chronic, recurrent cankers, plaque, halitos, gingivitics, dental extraction caries in teeth, gum, stomatitis, calculi, turtar formation, cankers, in protecting oral mucus against lipid peroxidation due to formation of free radicals and against contaminates (ozone, cigarette, smoke) and for soothing, curative, anti-inflammatory effect on epithelial lesions and reducing pain produced by putting false teeth in place.
 
In yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to use of oro-dental care wherein said composition is used in the form of paste, gel, mouthwash and chewing gum.
 
Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to use of oro-dental care wherein said composition is used as tooth powder.
 
Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to use of oro-dental care, wherein the  Citrus karna  is used in powder form or as an extract and as obtained from citrus karna fruit peal or leaf or flowers.
 
Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to use of oro-dental care, wherein the  Zanthoxylum armatum  is used in powder form or as an extract and is obtained from flowers, leaves, roots or fruits of  Zanthoxylum armatum.  
 
Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to use of oro-dental care, wherein  Azadirachta indica  used is in powder form or as an extract and as obtained from twigs, bark, seeds or leaves of  Azadirachta indica.  
 
Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to use of oro-dental care, wherein  Oriza sativa  used is in the form of Carbon Black chared husk.
 
Still another embodiment of the present invention relates to use of oro-dental care, wherein the additives added are selected from the group consisting aromatizing agent, flavoring agent, sweeteners, colorants, polishing material, organic acid, alcohol, essential oils, exert carminative, antiseptic and analgesic agent.
 
Yet another embodiment of the present invention, relates to use of oro-dental care, wherein alcohol used is ethanol.
 
Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to use of oro-dental care, wherein aromatizing agent used is mint.
 
Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to use of oro-dental care, wherein mint used are peppermint or pericarpmint.
 
Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to use of oro-dental care, wherein polishing material is abrasive particulate, having particle size up to 20 microns.
 
Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to use of oro-dental care, wherein organic acid used is acetic acid.
 
Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to use of oro-dental care, wherein flavoring agent used are natural or artificials cinnamon-clove beads.
 
Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to use of oro-dental care, wherein flavoring agent used are selected from cinnamon-clove beads, citrus flavor such as orange, lemon and vanilla.
 
The dental product of the present invention is a tooth gel/dentifrice that cleans and brightens/whitens teeth. However, the instant dental product can also be a mouthwash, a paste, a gel, a dental pack, or dental floss. It may also be used to treat gum disease. It is equally well suited to prevent caries, calculi and tartar formation, as well as to help remove them. In order to maintain the preferred pH range in some occasions, it can be desirable to add a buffer system to the dental composition. The selection of the buffer is well known in the art and the buffer is preferably compatible with the other ingredients, that is, it should not have any negative effect on it, and should be non-toxic.
 
The present invention successfully cleans and brightens teeth while inhibiting and reducing the growth of plaque bacteria, which is achieved when acetic acid or other equivalent organic acid is utilized in combination with conventional dental ingredients in effective concentrations to treat the oral cavity. Small quantities of this unexpectedly simple and nevertheless active component are required to obtain effective inhibition of plaque and other bacteria. Since low quantities of active component can be used in the compositions of this invention, the side effects associated with use of the present invention is correspondingly reduced or eliminated. The compositions of this invention may be substantially solid or pasty in character such as dental cream, toothpaste, toothpowder or chewing gum. Such solid or pasty oral compositions may also contain polishing materials. Typical polishing materials are abrasive particulate materials having particle sizes of up to about 20 microns.
 
The compositions of the present invention may additionally contain sweeteners, flavorants and colorants. Suitable flavorings include both natural and artificial flavors, and mints such as peppermint, citrus flavors such as orange and lemon, artificial vanilla, cinnamon, various fruit flavors and the like. In one embodiment the flavoring agent comprises cinnamon-clove beads. The present invention also involves a method for treating teeth or gums to reduce plaque or gingivitis comprising applying to the surface of the teeth and/or gums the compositions of this invention as described above. The compositions can be applied to the teeth and gums by any conventional means such as brushing, spraying, painting or rinsing of the oral cavity and the like. The compositions not only cleans and brightens the teeth and retards plaque accumulation, but has been demonstrated to remove pre-existing plaque as well. Additionally, the compositions show a prolonged effect on plaque accumulation following cessation of treatment for at least about one week after use. The following examples are presented to further illustrate this invention. The examples are intended in an illustrative sense and not in a limitative sense. The present invention includes the embodiments described and shown and any equivalents thereof. All parts and percentages are on a weight basis unless otherwise indicated.
 
The dental product of the present invention is highly acceptable to consumers of all age group in respect of its taste, odor and texture. The present dental compositions are capable to prevent various dental problems. Although all the ingredients of the present invention are known to posses beneficial properties against dental problems, it should not be assumed that the product of the present invention is an obvious combination of the individual ingredients.
 
The use of any product does not only depend upon the bioactivity of the product, but also on the acceptance of the product. Products which do not have good flavor, odor, feel and other organoleptic properties have not been found as successful. Although each of the individual ingredient is known to posses beneficial bioactivity properties, their flavor, odor have not been found acceptable to people, for example  Azadirachta indica  has a very bitter taste due to which chewing. Its bark is very displeasing. Thus, in the present invention application the inventor has aimed for preparing a composition which, not only, provides the beneficiary effects of all ingredients, but is also capable to the users. The acceptance of the synergistic composition of the present invention has been tested using various age groups. Also, the synergistic composition of the present invention is hereafter referred to as F1. Four other compositions F2 to F5 have been prepared and compared with F1 to prove its synergistic effect.
 
In the following examples the process for preparing the synergistic compositions F2 to F5 are described.
 
The applicants have also conducted test on 100 volunteers to establish the synergistic nature of the composition F1.
 
     EXAMPLE 1 # COMPOSITION (F1) 
                                     20% wt   Carbon black from Husk of  Oryza Sativa         30% wt     Citrus karna         25% wt     Azadirachta indica         20% wt     Zathoxylum armatum         Rest   Mint                      Oriza Sativa, Citrus karna, Azadirachta indica , and  Zathoxylum armatum  were collected and dried in shade. The dried material (1 Kg) is then powdered and extracted with 50% aqueous alcohol (3 L) for 5 days. At the end of this, the solvent is decanted and filtered if necessary to remove the plant debris. The extract is then concentrated under vacuum at less than 50° C. Then the extract is lyophilised to obtain the extract in powder form 0.15 g of starch is mixed with water and heated to form a paste.
 
The formulation is useful for the treatment of various dental problems.
 
     EXAMPLE 2 # COMPOSITION (F2) 
                                     25% wt.   Carbon black from Husk of  Oryza Sativa         20% wt.     Azadirachta indica         20% wt.     Zathoxylum armatum         Rest   Mint                      Oriza Sativa, Azadirachta indica , and  Zathoxylum armatum  were collected and dried in shade. The dried material (1 Kg) is then powdered and extracted with 50% aqueous alcohol (3 L) for 5 days. At the end of this, the solvent is decanted and filtered if necessary to remove the plant debris. The extract is then concentrated under vacuum at less than 50° C. Then the extract is lyophilised to obtain the extract in powder form. 15 g of starch is mixed with water and heated to form a paste.
 
The formulation is useful for the treatment of various dental problems.
 
     EXAMPLE 3 # COMPOSITION (F3) 
                                     25% wt.   Carbon black from Husk of  Oryza Sativa         30% wt.     Citrus karna         20% wt.     Zathoxylum armatum         Rest   Mint                      Oriza Sativa, Citrus karna  and  Zathoxylum armatum  were collected and dried in shade. The dried material (1 Kg) is then powdered and extracted with 50% aqueous alcohol (3 L) for 5 days. At the end of this, the solvent is decanted and filtered if necessary to remove the plant debris. The extract is then concentrated under vacuum at less than 50° C. Then the extract is lyophilised to obtain the extract in powder form. 15 g of starch is mixed with water and heated to form a paste.
 
The formulation is useful for the treatment of various dental problems.
 
     EXAMPLE 4 # COMPOSITION (F4) 
                                     20% wt   Carbon black from Husk of  Oryza Sativa         30% wt     Citrus karna         25% wt     Azadirachta indica         Rest   Mint                      Oriza Sativa, Citrus karna  and  Azadirachta indica  were collected and dried in shade. The dried material (1 Kg) is then powdered and extracted with 50% aqueous alcohol (3 L) for 5 days. At the end of this, the solvent is decanted and filtered if necessary to remove the plant debris. The extract is then concentrated under vacuum at less than 50° C. Then the extract is lyophilised to obtain the extract in powder form 0.15 g of starch is mixed with water and heated to form a paste.
 
The formulation is useful for the treatment of various dental problems.
 
     EXAMPLE 5 # COMPOSITION (F5) 
                                     30% wt     Citrus karna         25% wt     Azadirachta indica         20% wt     Zathoxylum armatum         Rest   Mint                      Citrus karna, Azadirachta indica , and  Zathoxylum armatum  were collected and dried in shade. The dried material (1 Kg) is then powdered and extracted with 50% aqueous alcohol (3L) for 5 days. At the end of this, the solvent is decanted and filtered if necessary to remove the plant debris. The extract is then concentrated under vacuum at less than 50° C. Then the extract is lyophilised to obtain the extract in powder form. 15 g of starch is mixed with water and heated to form a paste.
 
     EXAMPLE 6 # TESTING OF VARIOUS DENTAL COMPOSITIONS F1 TO F5. 
     The compositions are useful for the treatment of various dental problems. Samples of above composition(s) were given to volunteers on a prescribed performa during August 2002 to August 2003. Response was satisfactory. Sample size: 100 human beings/sample 
     Area covered: India (State: Uttar Pradesh, City: Lucknow)—95% and outside the city Lucknow—5% 
     Methodology: Direct conversation with volunteers and questionnaire method. 
                                                                                                                                                                                   TABLE 1                   Selection of volunteers of age as described below.            Years   F1   F2   F3   F4   F5            Age   M   F   Total   M   F   Total   M   F   Total   M   F   Total   M   F   Total                    &lt;20   4   4   8   5   5   10   5   4   9   5   8   13   10   7   17       20–40   32   23   55   31   22   53   34   20   54   35   26   61   8   35   43       &gt;40   31   6   37   30   7   37   33   4   37   16   10   26   17   23   40       Total   67   33   100   66   34   100   72   28   100   56   44   100   35   65   100                    
The data represents the selection of male and female volunteers approached them selves or volunteers recommended or forwarded the formulation(s) to their colleagues.
 
                                                                                             TABLE 2                   Compares the taste of different composition (s).                F1   F2   F3   F4   F5            Age   good/   Needs   good/   Needs   good/   Needs   good/   Needs   Good/   Needs       Years   accepted   Improvement   accepted   Improvement   accepted   Improvement   accepted   Improvement   accepted   Improvement               &lt;20   06   02   04   06   04   05   06   07   12   05       20–40   51   04   28   25   20   34   30   31   05   38       &gt;40   35   02   25   12   30   07   06   20   20   20       Total   92   08   57   43   54   46   42   58   37   63                    
On the basis of the above result, it clearly shows that formulation F1 is highly acceptable compare to other formulations from the taste point of view and showed 92% good and accepted.
 
                                                                                             TABLE 3                   Compares the odor of different composition (s).                F1   F2   F3   F4   F5            Age   good/   Needs   good/   Needs   good/   Needs   good/   Needs   good/   Needs       Years   accepted   Improvement   accepted   Improvement   accepted   Improvement   accepted   Improvement   accepted   Improvement               &lt;20   05   03   03   07   03   06   10   03   11   06       20–40   54   01   33   20   24   30   40   21   07   36       &gt;40   30   07   29   08   25   12   18   08   25   15       Total   89   11   65   35   52   48   68   32   43   57                    
On the basis of the above result it clearly shows that formulation F1 (89%) is acceptable compare to other formulations from the odour point of view.
 
                                                                                             TABLE 4                   Compares the texture of different composition (s).                F1   F2   F3   F4   F5            Age   good/   Needs   good/   Needs   good/   Needs   good/   Needs   Good/   Needs       Years   accepted   Improvement   accepted   Improvement   accepted   Improvement   accepted   Improvement   accepted   Improvement               &lt;20   06   02   02   08   02   07   06   07   09   08       20–40   53   02   23   30   21   33   34   27   14   29       &gt;40   32   05   31   06   12   25   20   06   21   19       Total   91   09   56   44   35   65   60   40   44   56                    
On the basis of the above result it clearly shows that formulation F1 (91%) is acceptable compare to other formulations from the texture point of view.
 
                                                                                             TABLE 5                   Effect of the composition (F1) with and without         citrus karna  on dental Problems and its effect:                                Total           Highly   Moderately   Low/slow   No    Persons           effective (%)   effective (%)   effective (%)   action/(%)   used            S. No.   Problems*   With   Without   With   Without   With   Without   With   Without   (%)               1.   Bleeding gums   54   40   12    8   32   42   02   10    100       2.   Swollen gums   48   42   26   23   23   30    3   5   100       3.   Toothache   18   18   28   28   42   45   12   9   100       4.   Yellowing/staining   35   30   26   22   29   40   10   8   100           of teeth       5.   Loosening of teeth    8    8   —       79   79   11   11    100       6.   Foul odour of   26   20   29   22   45   50   —   8   100           mouth       7.   Sensitivity to cold   20   18   11   10   58   65   11   6   100           hot water/Food                    
On the basis of the above result it clear that the formulation F1 is acceptable and highly effective and recommended, from this it is clear that the potency is increased.
 
                                                   TABLE 6                   Effect of the composition (F4) on Problems and its effect:                                    Total               Highly   Moderately   Low/slow   No   Personsused       S. No   Problems*   effective (%)   effective (%)   effective (%)   action/(%)   (%)               1.   Bleeding gums   45   11   36   08   100       2.   Swollen gums   38   30   29   03   100       3.   Toothache   22   26   44   08   100       4.   Yellowing/staining   31   30   19   20   100           of teeth       5.   Loosening of    8   05   68   19   100           teeth       6.   Foul odour of   21   32   47   —   100           mouth       7.   Sensitivity to cold   15   14   61   10   100           hot water/Food                    
On the basis of the above results it clearly shows that formulation F4 can also be acceptable but it is not so effective as compare to F1 formulation containing  Oriza Sativa, Citrus karna, Azadirachta indica  and  Zathoxylum armatum . It was found that this composition F1 is highly acceptable to consumers and acceptable up to 92% people, 54% to 89% people found F1 composition is highly effective in bleeding gums, 48% to 76% people found the same composition is highly useful in swollen gums, 26 to 76% people found beneficial in odor of mouth, 8% to 35% people found it effective in loosening of teeth. On the basis of the above results indicates that the composition F1 is a acceptable, highly effective and recommended for use. The product is advised to be used with brush or finger either in the morning or night time or when discomfort is felt in the mouth and as used as mouth freshener.
 
The F2 composition contains powdered parts or extract of the three plant i.e  Oriza Sativa, Azadirachta indica  and  Zathoxylum armatum . It was found that the acceptable level for this composition is only up to 57% people F3 composition contains powdered parts or extract of the four plant i.e  Oriza Sativa, Citrus karna  and  Zathoxylum armatum . It was found that the acceptable level for the same is only up to 54% people F4 composition contains powdered parts or extract of three plants i.e.,  Oriza Saliva, Citrus karna , and  Azadirachta indica  which is acceptable but not so effective in comparison to formulation F1. Composition F5 contains powdered plants or extracts of three plants i.e.  Citrus karna, Azadirachta indica  and  Zathoxylum armatum , which have very low acceptance level and effective to consumers.
 
The composition of the present invention can be delivered in common dental products, such as tooth pastes or dentifrices, tooth powders, mouthwashes, dental floss, toothpicks, chewing gum and the like. The dental product of the present invention cleans, and brightens and whitens teeth. It is also suitable for the treatment of gum disease. It is equally well suited for the prevention of caries, calculi and tartar formation as well as to help remove them. The composition of the present invention need not to be in semi-solid or solid form, i.e., paste or powder, but can be equally used as a solution to be brought adequately into contact with the teeth for a sufficient period of time to enable the plaque and caries to be dissolved and the teeth to be cleansed and brightened, e.g., as a conventional mouth rinse or mouth wash. The present invention also includes a method of treating teeth in dentistry, for the prevention of calculus, and/or the removal of caries, and/or the dissolving of plaque, and/or brightening/whitening teeth, comprising bringing into contact with the teeth a composition comprising acetic acid and preferably, a preparation containing conventional tooth paste or dentifrice ingredients. Conventional ingredients include, but are not limited to colorants, abrasives and polishing agents, flavoring agents, sweeteners, buffers, diluents, surfactants, gum, sodium fluoride, glycerol, chelating agents, and other ingredients well-known as dental additives and carriers. The preferred dental product of the present invention contains  Citrus karna  preferably, the composition also contains Neem. In accordance with the scope of this invention, it is desirable to add a buffer system to the dental composition. Such a buffer is preferably compatible with the preferred compounds, that is, it should not have any negative effect on same, and should be non-toxic i.e. ‘Carbon black’ obtained from the Charred husk of  Oriza sativa.    
     ADVANTAGE OF PRESENT INVENTION 
     1. Since the components used in the formulation is of herbal origin the product is safe to be used orally, as they have no or nil adverse or side effects on the gums and teeth. 
     2. The product is economically viable and eco-friendly. 
     3. It doesn&#39;t contain tobacco or any other carcinogenic habit forming substance as ingredients to spoil the teeth and gums.