Plaque accumulation and oral microorganisms are the main predisposing factors to various periodontal diseases and targeting these, therefore, can prove to be an effective way of combating these diseases. Due to many negative effects of conventional forms of treatment, herbal extracts have recently attracted a lot of attention. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of 2% clitoria ternatea extract mouthwash as an antiplaque and antimicrobial agent and compare it with that of 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash in mild to moderate gingivitis. Materials and methods: A total of 44 subjects, aged 18 to 40 years visiting the department of periodontology at bharati vidyapeeth (deemed to be) university, dental college and hospital, pune were randomly divided into two groups. Individuals with gingival component of the ramfjord’s periodontal disease index score of 1 and 2 and score 3 and 4 on the turesky gilmore-glickman modification of quigley hein plaque index (tqhpi) were included in the study. Group 1 (22) and group 2 (22) were given 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash and 2% clitoria ternatea extract mouthwash respectively. The assessment of plaque index and total microbial count was done at baseline, 7th and 14th day. Result: There was a statistically significant reduction in both clinical and microbiological parameters using both mouthwashes. However, a statistically insignificant difference was observed between the intergroup comparison, which suggests clitoria ternatea mouthwash is as effective as chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash. Conclusion: Clitoria Ternatea can prove to be an effective and safe alternative to conventional modes of treatment.