Comparison of antimicrobial efficacy of Propolis, Azadirachta indica (Neem), Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea tree oil), Curcuma longa (Turmeric) and 5% Sodium hypochlorite on Candida albicans biofilm formed on tooth substrate: An in-vitro stud

Aim: To determine the antimicrobial efficacy of Propolis, Azadirachta indica (Neem), Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea tree oil) ,Curcuma longa(Turmeric) and 5% Sodium hypochlorite on Candida albicans biofilm. Materials and methods: Extracted human mandibular premolars were biomechanically prepared, vertically sectioned, placed in tissue culture wells exposing the root canal surface to C. albicans grown on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar to form a biofilm. At the end of 2 days, all groups were treated with test solutions and control for 10 min and evaluated for Candida growth and number of colony forming units were calculated. The readings were subjected to statistical analysis using ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test. Results: Sodium hypochlorite and propolis groups exhibited highest antimicrobial efficacy against C. albicans with no statistically significant difference. It was followed by Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea tree oil), Curcuma longa(turmeric) group. A.india (Neem) had limited antifungal action followed by the negative control group of saline. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, propolis can be used as an effective antifungal agent similar to that of sodiumhypochlorite, although long-term in vivo studies are warranted.