Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Sodium Hypochlorite, Triphala, Eucalyptus, and Carvacrol against Enterococcus faecalis: An In Vitro study

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), Triphala, Eucalyptus, and carvacrol on Enterococcus faecalis as the most common microorganism isolated from infected root canals. Materials and methods: Seventy-five mandibular premolar teeth were randomly distributed into five study groups: 5.25% NaOCl, 10% Triphala, 1.25% Eucalyptus, 0.6% carvacrol, and negative control (saline) group. Samples were taken using paper points from the canal spaces and using Gates–Glidden (GG) drills from dentinal tubules; after sample culturing, the colony forming unit (CFU) were counted, which was analyzed by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: All irrigants have shown a reduction of microorganisms in the root canal space. After the use of NaOCl and Eucalyptus, the bacterial count was significantly reduced in the canal, as well as dentin sampling, as compared to Triphala and carvacrol. The antimicrobial efficiency of all irrigants against E. faecalis revealed a significant difference (p < 0.05). Conclusion: All irrigants exerted significant antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis. Around 1.25% of Eucalyptus was the most effective irrigant than 5.25% of NaOCl, Triphala, and carvacrol.