title: Antimicrobial activity of herbal medicines (tulsi extract, neem extract) and chlorhexidine against Enterococcus faecalis in Endodontics: An in vitro study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Successful endodontic treatment depends on effective disinfection and complete sealing of root canal. Various medicaments are advised for disinfecting root canal, such as herbal and non-herbal medicaments. This study was done to assess the antimicrobial activity of herbal medicines (neem extract, tulsi extract) and chlorhexidine against Enterococcus faecalis in Endodontics.
  
  
  METHODS
  Agar diffusion method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial action of different medicines. Sixty samples were segregated into four groups with 15 samples in each: Group I: chlorhexidine 2%, Group II: neem extract, Group III: tulsi extract, and Group IV: distilled water. The inhibition zones against E. faecalis were recorded and statistically assessed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test (P < 0.05).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant antibacterial effect against E. faecalis was observed with chlorhexidine followed by neem extract and tulsi extract.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Herbal medicines seemed to be effective against E. faecalis compared to 2% chlorhexidine gluconate.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pedodontics, Sharavathi Dental College, Shimoga, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Pradeep Muttagadur
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Chandrappa
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Yamuna Institute of Dental Sciences and Research, Yamunanagar, Haryana, India.
authors.forename: Akash
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dupper
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Mithila Minority Dental College and Hospital, Darbhanga, Bihar, India.
authors.forename: Pragya
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Tripathi
authors.affiliation: Department of Restorative Dentistry, Al Farrabi College of Dentistry and Nursing, Riyad, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Ramakrishna
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Arroju
authors.affiliation: Department of Pedodontics, Manasa Sarovar Dental College, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Preeti
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Pathology, AJ Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Konthoujam
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sulochana
keywords: Antimicrobial; Enterococcus faecalis; endodontic; herbal medicine; neem extract; tulsi extract