Antimicrobial efficacy of 2% chlorhexidine gel, triphala, and as intracanal medicaments against : A randomized clinical trial.

CONTEXT

Concerns about adverse reactions and the development of antibiotic resistance have prompted an alternative treatment strategy that utilizes traditional medicinal herbs.

AIM

This randomized control trial assessed the antimicrobial efficacy of 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gel, Triphala, and as intracanal medicaments against .

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty patients with nonvital teeth and single root canals were selected ( = 10). Following the initial access opening, the first microbial samples (S1) were collected using paper points. Second microbial samples (S2) were collected following the chemo-mechanical preparation and 1 week after introducing the intracanal medicaments. Group I: 2% CHX, Group II: , Group III: Triphala, and Group IV: Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)). S1 and S2 samples were collected, and bacterial growth was observed using the colony-forming unit (CFU) count.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Comparison of the difference in CFU count among four groups was performed using one-way ANOVA test ( < 0.05) followed by Tukey test.

RESULTS

Reduction in CFU count postmedication S2 from S1 in each group was statistically significant. Percentage reduction in CFU count was highest in Triphala group followed by and 2% CHX group. Percentage reduction in CFU count was least in Ca(OH) group. The pairwise comparison of % reduction in CFU count among four groups showed that the percent reduction was highest in Triphala group.

CONCLUSION

Triphala has considerable antimicrobial efficacy against .