scholarly journals Antibacterial Efficacy of Neem (Azadirachta indica) Extract against Enterococcus faecalis: An in vitro Study

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. 791-794 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Mustafa

ABSTRACT Introduction Debridement and disinfection of the root canal is a crucial step in the success of endodontic treatment. Several antimicrobial agents alone or in combination are used to achieve this. The objective of this in vitro study was to assess the antimicrobial efficacy of neem (Azadirachta indica) extract against Enterococcus faecalis. Materials and methods Neem leaf extract, 2% chlorhexidine, 3% sodium hypochlorite were used to assess the antimicrobial efficiency. Agar well diffusion test was used to study the antimicrobial efficacy with saline as control. The zone of inhibition was recorded, tabulated, and analyzed statistically with the help of IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences statistics version 20 using analysis of variance test. Results All the three medicaments showed well-defined and comparable zones of inhibition around their respective wells. All values were significantly higher than the control group. Analysis of variance showed significant difference between zone diameters of chlorhexidine, neem leaf extract, and 3% sodium hypochlorite against E. faecalis (p < 0.05). Conclusion From the present study, it can be concluded that neem leaf extract shows comparable zones of inhibition with that of chlorhexidine and sodium hypochlorite. Clinical significance Neem leaf extract has significant antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis and thus opens the perspectives for the use of neem extract as an intracanal medication. How to cite this article Mustafa M. Antibacterial Efficacy of Neem (Azadirachta indica) Extract against Enterococcus faecalis: An in vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2016;17(10):791-794.

Author(s):  
T. Santhosh ◽  
S. Delphine Priscilla Antony ◽  
N. P. Muralidharan

Introduction: Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis are the most predominant microorganisms found in the canals of failed root canal treated teeth. Thorough debridement of an infected root canal and complete elimination of microorganisms are objectives of effective endodontic therapy. For thousands of years, humans have used herbs as the primary means to sort out health issues and illnesses. Not all herbs have shown to provide scientific evidence as medicine to illness. Neem is a Botanical herb that is truly remarkable with its scientific value, a tropical evergreen native to India. Although different agents have been suggested as root canal irrigants, sodium hypochlorite and EDTA are the most popularly used. Aim: To compare the antimicrobial efficacy of commercially available irrigants, 17% EDTA and a herbal product, neem leaf extract compared with 3% sodium hypochlorite as a control against Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans. Materials and Methods: The antimicrobial activity was determined using the agar well diffusion method. Freshly prepared neem leaf extracts, 17% EDTA, 3% Sodium hypochloriteStandard strain of E. Faecalis and C. Albicans were used in this study. These isolates were subcultured on to Brain heart infusion agar (BHI agar) and HI-chrome candidal differential media respectively. The agar well diffusion test was performed in brain heart infusion media and broth. The plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours and the zone of inhibition was recorded and analyzed statistically. Results: Zones of inhibition were present with Neem leaf extract suggestive of antimicrobial properties. Zones of inhibition were greater with Neem extract than 17% EDTA. Hence, further research should be directed towards the use of this herbal extract as an irrigant clinically with endodontic therapy. Conclusion: Within the limitation of this study, it was found that neem leaf extract had a significant antimicrobial effect against E. Faecalis and C. Albicans compared to EDTA and Sodium Hypochlorite. Since the study is a qualitative analysis, further testing needs to be done to final quantitative analysis of the antimicrobial activity of neem leaf extract.


Author(s):  
Shafie Ahamed ◽  
Vignesh Guptha Raju ◽  
Madhuram Krishnamurthy ◽  
V. Naveen Kumar ◽  
K. E. Selvendran

Nigella sativa (kalonji) has been used since ancient times as a nutritional supplement and for treating various infections and chronic ailments. As pathogens become resistant to most drugs, kalonji can be used as an alternative compound in modern medicines. The use of herbal extracts as endodontic irrigants might be beneficial as a part of a growing trend to seek natural remedies for dental treatment. Aim:  To compare the antibacterial potency of Aqueous Nigella sativa extract, Aqueous Neem leaf extract, and 3% Sodium Hypochlorite. Materials and Methods: Test solutions were tested against E. faecalis (ATCC 29212) to check for their Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) by double dilution method and Kill time to measure their antimicrobial potency to be used as an intracanal irrigant. Results: The study's limitations show that Aqueous Nigella sativa extract has a better antimicrobial effect than Aqueous Neem leaf extract and 3% Sodium Hypochlorite solution against E. faecalis.


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