To Compare and Evaluate the Antibacterial Efficacy of Murraya koenigii (Curry Leaves), Camellia sinensis (Green Tea), and 2% Chlorhexidine against Enterococcus faecalis.

BACKGROUND

Enterococcus faecalis is a gram-positive facultative anaerobe frequently associated with persistent root canal infections. Since complete disinfection through conventional methods is often challenging, herbal agents with antimicrobial properties are being explored as safer alternatives to synthetic chemicals.

AIM: To assess and compare the antibacterial potential of Murraya koenigii (curry leaves), Camellia sinensis (green tea), and 2% chlorhexidine against E. faecalis.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A pure culture of E. faecalis was subcultured in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth. Mueller-Hinton agar plates were prepared, and six wells were made in each plate. Aqueous extracts of M. koenigii and C. sinensis at concentrations of 1-5%, and 2% chlorhexidine as control, were introduced into the wells. The plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. The inhibition zones were measured in millimeters using a zone-measuring scale.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data were analyzed using nonparametric tests. The Kruskal-Wallis test was applied for overall comparison, followed by the Mann-Whitney U test for pairwise analysis.

RESULTS

The inhibition zones produced by C. sinensis were statistically comparable to those of 2% chlorhexidine, suggesting that green tea exhibits significant antibacterial activity against E. faecalis.

CONCLUSION

Since mechanical debridement alone cannot ensure complete bacterial elimination, intracanal medicaments are essential. Green tea extract demonstrated antibacterial efficacy equivalent to chlorhexidine, indicating its potential as an herbal antimicrobial agent.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Given the limitations of chemical disinfectants, herbal extracts such as green tea and curry leaf hold promise as biocompatible, ecofriendly, and cost-effective alternatives for endodontic disinfection, encouraging a shift toward natural therapeutic agents in dentistry.

HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Bedarkar SM, Musale P, Dave PN, et al. To Compare and Evaluate the Antibacterial Efficacy of Murraya koenigii (Curry Leaves), Camellia sinensis (Green Tea), and 2% Chlorhexidine against Enterococcus faecalis. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2026;19(3):314-317.