title: Comparative Evaluation of Propolis, Metronidazole with Chlorhexidine, Calcium Hydroxide and Curcuma Longa Extract as Intracanal Medicament Against E.faecalis- An Invitro Study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The increase of potential side effects and safety concerns of conventional medicaments have led to the recent popularity of herbal alternative medications. The herbal products are known for its high antimicrobial activity, biocompatibility, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the effectiveness of Propolis, Metronidazole with Chlorhexidine gel, Curcuma Longa and Calcium Hydroxide for elimination of E.faecalis bacteria in extracted teeth samples.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ninety extracted single rooted intact teeth were taken for the study. Decoronation, removal of apices and chemomechanical preparation was done for all samples. These sterilized samples were then contaminated with pure culture of E.faecalis under laminar flow. The samples were incubated for a period of 21 days. The infected samples were assigned to 5 groups: Group I- Propolis; Group II- Metronidazole with Chlorhexidine gel; Group III- Calcium hydroxide; Group IV- Curcuma Longa; and control group- Saline. Efficacy of newer intracanal medicaments against E.faecalis were carried out in the samples at the end of 1, 2 & 5 days for each group with the help of colorimeter. Student paired t-test, ANOVA and multiple tukey test were used for statistical analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The value of optical density was statistically significant in all groups when compared to that of control group. Group I (Propolis) produced better antimicrobial efficacy followed by Chlorhexidine Metronidazole combination, Curcuma Longa and Calcium hydroxide.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that Propolis showed better antimicrobial properties against E.faecalis than other medicaments.
authors.affiliation: Post Graduate Student, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Chhattisgarh Dental College and Research Institiute , Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, India .
authors.forename: Shruti
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Saha
authors.affiliation: Reader, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Chhattisgarh Dental College and Research Institiute , Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, India .
authors.forename: Rashmi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nair
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Chhattisgarh Dental College and Research Institiute , Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, India .
authors.forename: Hemant
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Asrani
keywords: Antimicrobial efficacy; Endodontic treatment; Periradicular diseases