Evaluation of Antibacterial Efficacy of Terminalia Chebula Fruit Extracts against Enterococcus Faecalis

The usage of plant based therapeutics in medicine and dentistry is increasing because of their natural origin with higher safety margins and lesser or no side effects. Terminalia chebula (Haritki/ Harad) also known as “king of medicine” with established effects against various bacterial and fungal infections including the dental caries pathogens was tested in this study against Enterococcus feacalis, which is one of the persistent pathogen found in root canal post treatment disease. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible antibacterial efficacy of T. chebula fruit extracts (aqueous and ethanolic) against E. feacalis and its comparison to that of 2% chlorhexidine. Methodology: For this purpose both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the fruit were used against the bacteria using the Agar well diffusion method and the zones of inhibition surrounding the wells indicating the antibacterial activity were recorded.  Results: In the present study the results were found promising as the fruit extracts tested exhibited zones of inhibition against the tested bacteria. Higher activity was shown by ethanolic extract than an aqueous extract of the fruit. However both the extracts exhibited less activity as compared to 2% chlorhexidine. The results were statistically analysed. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study the promising findings suggest the presence of antibacterial activity in the tested plant material against E.feacalis. The findings are suggestive of potential which further needs extensive research. Key words: Antibacterial, E. faecalis, Herbal extract, T. chebula