Artemisinin as a novel endodontic irrigant: In vitro assessment of antimicrobial, antioxidant, and Fourier transform infrared-based structural characterization.

CONTEXT: Artemisinin is a sesquiterpene lactone extracted from Artemisia annua that is best known for its potent antimalarial activity. Recent evidence highlights its additional antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. These features are particularly relevant in endodontics, where safer and more biocompatible alternatives to conventional irrigants are needed.

AIMS: To evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant effects of artemisinin against Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans and characterize its molecular design using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.

SUBJECTS AND

METHODS

The antimicrobial activity was determined using the ditch plate method and the antioxidant capacity was evaluated using the total antioxidant assay with optical density measured at 695 nm, while FTIR spectroscopy analysis revealed the functional groups present in artemisinin extract.

RESULTS

Artemisinin exhibited significant inhibitory activity, against both the test microrganisms. The antioxidant analysis revealed a concentration-dependent increase in activity, with the highest effect at 10 mg/mL (2.08 mm/L). FTIR spectra showed multiple absorption bands corresponding to hydroxyl, phenolic, and aliphatic groups, indicating complex molecular characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

Artemisinin demonstrates dual antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, suggesting its potential as a safer, biologically compatible endodontic irrigant. To validate the in vitro findings, further research for defining its efficacy, optimum concentration, and safety parameters are required under in vivo as well as clinical conditions.