Pharmaceutical Evaluation of Physical Properties and Antimicrobial Activity of Selected Commercial Toothpaste Formulations in Tripoli Market

Abstract

Nowadays, there is a wide range of toothpaste formulations available, each designed to address specific oral health concerns and sourced from different countries at different prices. This variety can often create confusion for consumers, as differences in composition, functional properties, and claimed benefits make it difficult to choose the best product for optimal oral hygiene with desirable attributes. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the physical, organoleptic, and antimicrobial properties of twelve toothpaste formulations in the Tripoli market to assess their quality, consistency, suitability for consumer use, and therapeutic potential from a pharmaceutical perspective. Samples were compared and evaluated according to their organoleptic characteristics qualitatively (appearance, color, odor, texture, extrudability, and taste), physical parameters quantitatively were performed (spreadability, foaming ability, pH, and moisture content). Antimicrobial efficacy was also evaluated using the agar well diffusion method. All formulations demonstrated acceptable properties, most of which exhibited a paste-like appearance and pleasant odors. Spreadability ranged from 4 to 7.1 cm, pH values ranged from 5.83 to 9.47, indicating mildly alkaline to highly alkaline formulations. Foaming ability varied significantly from 50 to 81 ml, with sample 9 showing the highest foam volume, and moisture content varied from 25.77% to 38.01%. Antimicrobial testing revealed significant activity in selected formulations, with inhibition zones reaching up to 19.22 mm against Streptococcus aureus, 14.55mm against Streptococcus mutans, 12.31 mm against Fusobacterium nucleatum, and 11.23mm against Candida albicans. Toothpaste number 4 demonstrated superior inhibition zones against all microorganisms but was characterized by an acidic pH of 5.83 and a high moisture content of 38.01%. In contrast, toothpastes like 11 and 12 showed minimal antimicrobial activity. Substantial differences were observed among the tested toothpaste while most met acceptable criteria. Several products showed promising inhibitory effects against common oral pathogens, suggesting added therapeutic benefits. These findings emphasize the importance of combining physicochemical evaluation with microbiological testing in quality control and standardization of semisolid pharmaceutical formulations such as toothpaste to ensure consistent efficacy and patient safety.