ANTIFUNGAL EFFICACY OF SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE AND CHLORHEXIDINE WITH AND WITHOUT AN ANTIFUNGAL HERBAL IRRIGANT: AN INVITRO STUDY

Aim: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the efficacy of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) & 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) as a final irrigant with and without the inclusion of an antifungal herbal agent (Neem extract) on Candida albicans. Materials & Methods:Thirtyfive single-rooted premolars were instrumented and inoculated with a suspension of C. albicans. The experimental specimens were divided into two groups. The irrigant group was divided into 2 subgroups and irrigated with 5.25% NaOCl& 2% CHX respectively. The irrigant with antifungal group was divided into two subgroups and irrigated with 5.25% NaOCl& 2% CHX respectively followed by neem extract. The control group was irrigated with normal saline. Aliquots from the experimental teeth were plated on 4% Sabouraud agar, and the colony-forming units (CFUs) were evaluated under light microscopy (400x). Results: 2% CHX exhibited superior antifungal efficacy compared with 5.25% NaOCl with no significant difference. On inclusion of Neem extract, there was a significant decrease in the CFU 5.25% NaOCl and 2% CHX with Neem extract showed significantly greater antifungal properties. Conclusion: Neem extract proved to be effective against C. albicans when used along with root canal irrigants as a final rinse.