Comparative evaluation of antimicrobial and biofilm inhibition effects of royal jelly, chlorhexidine, and calcium hydroxide - An study.

INTRODUCTION

Pulp capping is a viable treatment option for management of deep carious lesions in pulp preservation with reduced remaining thickness of dentin. Traditionally, calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)) and currently contemporary bioceramic pulp capping agents have been well researched in the dental domain and evidenced varying but promising success rates. However, there is a growing interest in exploring indigenous, innovative, alternative natural products derived from apiarian sources, which possess characteristics and properties which can potentiate predictable treatment outcome including antimicrobial properties. Hence, this study aims to compare the efficacy of indigenously developed apiarian products like royal jelly (RJ) with contemporary pulp capping agents in eradicating Streptococcus mutans biofilm, a predominant cariogenic microorganism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

RJ was prepared at 4% concentration by dissolving 4 g of pure RJ in 100 mL dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Ca(OH) was prepared by mixing 2 g of Dycal (Dentsply) in 100 mL of sterile water. Chlorhexidine (CHX) was used as a 2% gel formulation (Gluco-Chex, Cerkamed). DMSO was used as a solvent to ensure proper dispersion. Agar diffusion results: RJ (97.89%), CHX (72.95%), and Ca(OH) (78.19%). Biofilm assay: RJ (97.89%), CHX (72.95%), and Ca(OH) (78.19%). Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity was conducted with various tests such as zone of inhibition and biofilm viability assay. Data collection was done and statistical analysis was done using G*Power ( < 0.05).

RESULTS

Agar diffusion: RJ showed the highest antimicrobial effect (97.89%), followed by CHX (72.95%) and Ca(OH) (78.19%). Biofilm assay: 4% RJ exhibited the highest inhibition (97.89%), outperforming CHX (72.95%) and Ca(OH) (78.19%).

CONCLUSION

The findings of this comparative evaluation support the potential of the innovation of indigenously developed apiarian pulp capping agent as an effective antimicrobial agent against cariogenic biofilm. Further research is warranted to explore the optimal inhibitory concentration against dental biofilm and further evaluate their long-term clinical efficacy of this indigenous innovation and safety in dental practice as a pulp capping agent.