Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity Of herbal vs chemical Root Canal Irrigants against E. Faecalis - An in Vitro Study

Enterococcus faecalis is the most predominant microorganism found in the root canals of teeth where, previous treatment has failed. Effective endodontic treatment is attained through debridement and elimination of pathogens from the infected root canal. In recent times, interest in drugs derived from medicinal plants has peaked. Most of the commercial intracanal medicaments have cytotoxic reactions and are unable to eliminate bacteria completely from dentinal tubules. Instead, Phytomedicines are used which are biologic medication extracted from plants. These have multiple uses in dentistry as anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, analgesic, sedative and endodontic irrigant. The aim of the study was to explore the antimicrobial efficacy of herbal irrigating agents which would be more efficacious and less irritating to the periapical tissues compared to sodium hypochlorite. The objective of this in vitro study was to compare the antimicrobial activity of 5% sodium hypochlorite Vs neem leaf extract, turmeric, honey and aloe vera against E. Faecalis, using the commonly used agar diffusion method. Results: Honey showed the highest zone of inhibition against E.faecalis followed by neem, sodium hypochlorite, haldi and aleo-vera.