Comparative evaluation of antimicrobial activity of herbal and nonherbal root canal irrigants on Enterococcus faecalis – An in vitro study

Introduction: One of the most common pathogens in infected root canals is Enterococcus faecalis. 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: To assess and the antimicrobial effects of nonherbal and herbal root canal irrigants on E. faecalis. Methodology: The study was conducted on 110 permanent extracted human teeth. Culture suspension of E. faecalis was inoculated in each root canal and were divided randomly into groups, (i): Herbal group [QMixTM 2 in 1, Endoseptone, Biopure mixture of tetracycline, acid and detergent (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), immediately after irrigation (S1) and after 3 days (S2). The obtained mean of log CFU was compared using Friedman's two-way ANOVA. Results: There was a significant reduction in CFU counts in both herbal and nonherbal group. The greatest antimicrobial effects were observed in nonherbal group against E. faecalis. Conclusion: The overall antimicrobial effects of different irrigants were maximum for the nonherbal group, whereas the herbal group also showed significant reductions. The herbal irrigants hold the promise of becoming efficient irrigants and warrant further research