COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL EFFICACY OF VARIOUS HERBAL ROOT CANAL IRRIGANTS AGAINST ENTEROCOCCUS FAECALIS - AN IN VITRO STUDY

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance has been a global concern. Currently, interest has been focused on exploring antimicrobial properties of plants and herbs. Herbs such as Garlic,Lemon,Guava leaf are used in this study. Aim: To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of various herbal root canal irrigants against enterococcus faecalis. Material and methods: Agar diffusion method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial action of different medicines. Sixty samples were segregated into four groups with 15 samples in each: Group I: Garlic extract, Group II: guava leaf extract, Group III: Lemon extract, and Group IV: 5% Sodium hypochlorite. The inhibition zones against E. faecalis were recorded and statistically assessed using one‑way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test (P < 0.05). Result: Significant antibacterial effect against E. faecalis was observed with Garlic extract followed by sodium hypochlorite, lemon and Guava leaf extract. Conclusion: Herbal extracts seemed to be effective against E. faecalis compared to 5% Sodium hypochlorite.