Effectiveness of Persea major Kopp (Lauraceae) extract against Enterococcus faecalis: a preliminary in vitro study

BACKGROUND: Persea major Kopp (Lauraceae) is a plant with wound healing, antibacterial, and analgesic properties. The aim of this study was to assess the in vitro antibacterial activity of the concentrated crude extract (CCE) and ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) of this plant against Enterococcus faecalis and compare it with calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)(2)] paste and 2% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX). METHODS: The plant material was collected, and an extract was prepared according to the requirements of the study (CCE and EAF). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of CCE, EAF, Ca(OH)(2), Ca(OH)(2) + CCE, and CHX against E. faecalis were determined using the broth microdilution method RESULTS: The EAF inhibited E. faecalis at concentrations of 166.50, 83.25, and 41.62 mg mL(−1), and 1.00, 0.50, and 0.25% of CHX solutions showed antimicrobial activity. The MICs of Ca(OH)(2) paste were 166.50 and 83.25 mg mL(−1), whereas Ca(OH)(2) + CCE showed antimicrobial activity only at a concentration of 166.50 mg mL(−1). CCE showed no inhibitory effect at any of the concentrations tested CONCLUSIONS: The CCE did not show any antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis; however, the EAF was the most effective among the three highest concentrations tested.