Herbal combat against E. faecalis - An in vitro study.

Background: Herbs have renewed importance in this modern era for their antimicrobial properties and fewer side effects. So a novel idea to use these herbs for pulpectomy; was implemented. There are chances of failure of pulpectomy due to inefficient removal of microbial load. Thus, for a successful endodontic treatment, obturating material with optimum antimicrobial properties is advocated in the present study.

Aim: To compare and evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of zinc oxide eugenol, zinc oxide with tulsi extract and zinc oxide with aloe vera as obturating materials against E. faecalis bacteria.

Materials and methods: Antimicrobial efficacy of zinc oxide eugenol as control, zinc oxide with tulsi extract and zinc oxide with aloe vera as experimental groups were assessed by using agar diffusion method. The statistical analysis was done.

Results: Intergroup comparison revealed significant difference amongst all the groups except between zinc oxide eugenol and zinc oxide with tulsi extract. Zinc oxide eugenol had significantly higher zone of inhibition among all the groups.

Conclusion: According to results obtained from the present study can be summarized as follows: Zinc oxide eugenol > Zinc oxide with tulsi extract > Zinc oxide with aloe vera.