Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Arjuna, Bromelain, Calcium Hydroxide, and Triple Antibiotic Paste as an Intracanal Medicament Against Enterococcus faecalis: An In Vitro Study.

INTRODUCTION

Enterococcus faecalis is a common pathogen associated with endodontic treatment failure due to its resistance to conventional therapies.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of two novel herbal agents, Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna) and bromelain, against calcium hydroxide (CaOH) and triple antibiotic paste (TAP) for their potency in eliminating Enterococcus faecalis.

METHODS

Eighty human teeth with single roots were endodontically prepared and divided into five groups: Group 1 (Arjuna paste), Group 2 (CaOH), Group 3 (TAP), Group 4 (bromelain paste), and Group 5 as a control with no medicament. After bacterial inoculation and a three-week incubation period, canals were instrumented and irrigated. Antimicrobial efficacy was assessed by measuring the reduction in bacterial colony-forming units (CFUs) after seven days of intracanal medicament application.

Results

The highest percentage of bacterial reduction was seen in TAP (99.89%), followed by bromelain paste (98.57%) and Arjuna paste (99.02%). CaOH showed the lowest reduction (93.27%) in bacterial load.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that while TAP remains a highly effective intracanal medicament against E. faecalis, Terminalia arjuna and bromelain exhibited considerable potential as a natural alternative with antimicrobial properties, while calcium hydroxide showed the least effectiveness.