Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Herbal and Nonherbal Root Canal Irrigants on Enterococcus faecalis: An in vitro Study

Abstract

Introduction: Enterococcus faecalis is one of the most prevalent pathogens in infected root canals. Even though the role of irrigants in controlling pathogens is well established, there is a chance for drug resistance and cytotoxicity in using chemical irrigants, Therefore newer researches have forced the man to look the herbal way. Aim of the Study: This study aims to evaluate and compare the anti-bacterial effects of nonherbal and herbal root canal irrigants on E. faecalis. Methodology: The study was conducted on 110 permanent extracted human teeth each root canal was inoculated with a culture suspension of E. faecalis and then randomly assigned into groups, (i) Herbal group (QMix™ 2 in 1, Endoseptone, Biopure MTAD) and (ii) Nonherbal group (Morinda citrifolia juice, Triphala juice, Coconut milk), and control group (Sodium hypochlorite and Distilled water). Colony forming units (CFUs) were evaluated and counted at baseline (S0), immediatedly after irrigation (S1) and after 3 days (S2). The Friedman two-way ANOVA was used to compare the obtained mean of log CFU. Results: Both the herbal and nonherbal groups had a significant reduction in the number of CFUs. The greatest anti-microbial effects were observed in nonherbal group against E. faecalis. Conclusion: While the herbal group also demonstrated significant reductions, the nonherbal group experienced the greatest overall anti-microbial effects of the various irrigants. Research into the herbal irrigants is necessary since they have the potential to be effective irrigants.