Comparative evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of mushroom, Aloe vera, and Curcuma longa with calcium hydroxide as an intracanal medicament against Enterococcus faecalis: An in vitro study

BACKGROUND: The success of endodontic treatment mainly depends on the eradication of microorganisms from the root canal system. The use of intracanal medicaments plays a crucial role in eliminating resistant bacteria such as Enterococcus faecalis. Intracanal medicaments similar to herbal compounds can be used as a substitute for conventional calcium hydroxide (CaOH2) to prevent toxicity. The existing study aimed to compare and evaluate the antimicrobial activity of four different intracanal medicaments against E. faecalis. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to compare and evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of CaOH2, extracts of mushroom, aloe vera, and Curcuma longa as intracanal medicaments against E. faecalis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 extracted human permanent premolars were decoronated, and chemomechanical preparation of the root canal was performed. After sterilization of the samples, pure cultures of E. faecalis were inoculated and incubated. Then, samples were separated randomly into five groups (n = 24). The antibacterial efficacy of the different intracanal medicaments was recorded at the end of days 1, 7, and 14 by determining the % reduction colony count. Data were statistically analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance, a Chi-square test for association, and a comparison of means using a t-test. RESULTS: Curcuma longa exhibited an increased percentage reduction in colony counts compared to other herbal extracts against E. faecalis. CONCLUSION: Antibacterial action of the C. longa extract was uppermost followed by CaOH2, A. vera, and mushroom against E. faecalis.