Comparative evaluation of antibacterial efficacy of herbal irrigants like morinda citrifolia juice, propolis and green tea against conventional irrigants like 3% sodium hypochlorite and 2% chlorhexidine against enterococcus faecalis: an in vitro study

Introduction: For many years, sodium hypochlorite and 2 % chlorhexidine have been used for eradication of E faecalis. But side effects caused by sodium hypochlorite and constant increase in antibiotic resistant strains has shifted attention towards herbal alternatives. Aim: To evaluate and compare the antibacterial efficacy of herbal irrigants like Morinda citrifolia, Propolis, green tea with gold standard Sodium Hypochlorite and Chlorhexidine Methodology: Muller Hinton agar plates were prepared and incubated for 24 hours at 37°C. 5 Holes of 6mm diameter were punched out on muller hinton agar plate followed by streaking with strain of Enterococcus faecalis on the plate. 5 holes were marked at the bottom of the petri dish for different groups as, Group 1-Morinda Citrifolia, Group 2- Propolis, Group 3- Green tea, Group 4- Sodium Hypochlorite, Group 5- Chlorhexidine. 100 μl of each irrigant was pipetted in its respective well and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours and plates were examined for the presence and size of zone of inhibition. The readings were subjected to statistical analysis using one way ANOVA and Tukey’s test. Results: Chlorhexidine exhibited highest antibacterial efficacy as compared to other irrigants. Amongst herbal irrigant Propolis showed comparatively higher antibacterial efficacy followed by Morinda Citrifolia and least with Green Tea. Propolis showed no statistically significant results as compared to Sodium Hypochlorite. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, propolis can be used as an effective antimicrobial agent similar to that of sodium hypochlorite, although long-term in vivo studies are warranted.