Comparative evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of some natural herbal extracts (an in vitro study)

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial activity of natural extracts of Azadirachta Indica (Neem), Curcuma Longa (Turmeric), Myristica fragrans (Nutmeg), Camellia sinensis (Green tea) and Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea tree oil) against a mature Enterococcus faecalis Biofilm model in vitro One hundred and forty single rooted mandibular premolars were used in the study. The tooth length was standardized to 16 mm from the root apex to the coronal border. Mechanical preparation of specimens were performed using Protaper Universal rotary nickel titanium system (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) till finishing file F4. All canals received a final irrigation sequence of 5ml of 17% EDTA, followed by 5ml of 2.5% NaOCl and 5ml of sterile water. Teeth were divided into 6 expermintal groups (n=20) and two control groups (n=10). Each one of the positive control and the 6 experimental groups were incubated for 21 days with previously prepared E. faecalis culture to form mature E. faecalis biofilm. One of the samples was examined with