Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Allium Sativum, Glycyrrhiza Glabra and Calcium Hydroxide as an Intracanal Medicament Against Enterococcus Faecalis: An In-Vitro Study

Abstract

Context:

Persistent endodontic infections are often linked to Enterococcus faecalis, a resilient microorganism capable of penetrating dentinal tubules and surviving harsh intracanal conditions. Conventional medicaments like calcium hydroxide show limited effectiveness, prompting interest in herbal alternatives.

Aims:

To compare the antimicrobial efficacy of Allium sativum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and calcium hydroxide against E. faecalis when used as intracanal medicaments.

Methods and Material:

Ninety extracted single-rooted teeth were prepared and inoculated with E. faecalis, then divided into three groups (n=30): Allium sativum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and calcium hydroxide. After 15 days,  CFUs were recorded to assess antimicrobial efficacy. Antibacterial efficacy was evaluated by calculating the percentage reduction in colony count

Statistical analysis used:

Student’s unpaired t-test was used for inter- and intragroup comparisons.

Results:

All medicaments showed significant antimicrobial activity. Glycyrrhiza glabra had the highest CFU reduction (94.80 ± 1.81%), followed by Allium sativum (83.96 ± 5.52%) and calcium hydroxide (74.24 ± 7.22%) with significant differences (p=0.0001).

Conclusions:

Glycyrrhiza glabra shows superior antimicrobial activity over conventional calcium hydroxide and may serve as an effective intracanal medicament.