In vitro antimicrobial activity of auxiliary chemical substances and natural extracts on Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis in root canals

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of auxiliarychemical substances and natural extracts on Candida albicans andEnterococcus faecalis inoculated in root canals.

Material and Methods:

Seventy-two human tooth roots were contaminated with C. albicansand E. faecalis for 21 days. The groups were divided according tothe auxiliary chemical substance into: G1) 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), G2)2% chlorhexidine gel (CHX), G3) castor oil, G4) glycolic Aloevera extract, G5) glycolic ginger extract, and G6) sterile saline(control). The samples of the root canal were collected at different intervals:confirmation collection, at 21 days after contamination; 1^stcollection, after instrumentation; and 2^nd collection, seven days afterinstrumentation. Microbiological samples were grown in culture medium andincubated at 37º C for 48 hours.

Results:

The results were submitted to the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn (5%) statistical tests.NaOCl and CHX completely eliminated the microorganisms of the root canals. Castoroil and ginger significantly reduced the number of CFU of the tested bacteria.Reduction of CFU/mL at the 1^st and 2^nd collections forgroups G1, G2, G3 and G4 was greater in comparison to groups G5 and G6.

Conclusion:

It was concluded that 2.5% sodium hypochlorite and 2% chlorhexidine gel were moreeffective in eliminating C. albicans and E.faecalis, followed by the castor oil and glycolic ginger extract. TheAloe vera extract showed no antimicrobial activity.