Efficacy of calcium hydroxide, mushroom, and Aloe vera as an intracanal medicament against Enterococcus faecalis: An in vitro study

Abstract

Introduction: To evaluate and compare antimicrobial efficacy of calcium hydroxide, extracts of mushroom and Aloe vera leaves against Enterococcus faecalis, and to assess the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of extracts of mushroom and A. vera against E. faecalis. Materials and Methods: Ninety freshly extracted single-rooted teeth were decoronated and canals enlarged up to F3 (ProTaper). The samples were sterilized and infected with E. faecalis and incubated for 21 days. Teeth samples were then divided into three groups. Group 1: calcium hydroxide, Group 2: mushroom extract, and Group 3: A. vera extract. At the end of 1, 3, and 5 days, microbiological sampling and culturing were done from the root canal dentinal shavings obtained and colony forming units (CFUs) were counted. The MIC was determined for two plant extracts against E. faecalis strains using ELISA microdilution method. Statistical analysis was done using analysis of variance technique and multiple comparisons were done using (post hoc test) Bonferroni test. Results: The number of CFUs was statistically significant in all the groups. Percentage reduction of CFUs was highest in mushroom followed by A. vera and calcium hydroxide. MIC for calcium hydroxide was 40 mg/ml, A. vera extract 60 mg/ml, and for mushroom extract 40 mg/ml. Conclusions: Antibacterial activity of the mushroom extract was highest followed by A. vera extract and then calcium hydroxide, at all time periods tested in this study. Antibacterial activity of all the groups increased with time.