Background: Antiseptic mouthwash (chlorhexidine and povidone iodine) is usually used to decrease the number of colonies of pathogenic bacteria. But, somehow it gives side effective it used for a long time. So, it should take another alternative as a raw material to make a mouthwash with minimal side effects, economical and efficacious. Objective: The objective of this research was to examine the effect of noni fruit extract (Morinda citrifolia L.) that given as mouthwash on 15 gingivitis patients. Materials and Methods: The research was conducted for 7 days in a row and gingival index of each patient was measured before and after the treatment. The patients were divided into 3 groups and given 3 different treatments. Group I used mouthwash noni fruit extract 5%; Group II used chlorhexidine 0.1%; and Group III used a mixture of extracts of noni: chlorhexidine (2.5% : 0.05%). The mouthwash was used in the morning and at the night before going to sleep as much as 15 ml and gargling it for 30 sec. Results: The results showed the gingival index was declined in every group treatment (mouthwash noni fruit extract 5%, chlorhexidine 0.1% and a mixture of extracts of noni : chlorhexidine (2.5% : 0.05%). The differences between each group were not significant (p >0.05). Conclusion: Despite it give the same effect, the extract of noni fruit should be used as an alternative to mouthwash because it gives the same effect as much as chlorhexidine and it also economical, efficacious and minimal side effects.

Key words: Chlorhexidine, Morinda citrifolia L., Noni fruit extract, Gingival index, Mouthwash.