Comparative Evaluation of Antibacterial Efficacy of Manuka Honey, Indian Honey and Sodium Hypochlorite against Enterococcus Faecalis Biofilm: An Invitro study

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of Manuka honey, Indian honey, 5.25% NaOCl and saline against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm formed on the tooth substrate. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: 120 non carious, freshly extracted human mandibular premolars with single canal were selected and divided into two main groups with six subgroups each. Each sub group contains 10 samples (n=10). Extracted human teeth was decoronated at the level of CEJ to standardize the length of samples at 12mm. Samples were cleaned and shaped, vertically sectioned and placed in the tissue culture wells exposing the root canal surface to E. faecalis to form a biofilm. At the end of 3rd and 6th week, all groups were treated for 5 minutes with the test solutions and were analyzed quantitatively. RESULTS: The result of the present study showed that the natural alternatives - Manuka honey and Indian honey provided better antibacterial effect against E.faecalis by disc diffusion and broth dilution assay. In quantitative assay, at 3rd and 6th week, Manuka honey at high concentration and sodium hypochlorite shows complete eradication of E.faecalis, when compared to Manuka honey at low concentration, Indian honey at high concentration & low concentration and saline. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, it was found that sodium hypochlorite is still proven to be the best in elimination of Enterococcus faecalis except for its adverse side effects on human cells. Hence it is good to have natural alternatives, out of which Manuka honey at high concentration seems to be more effective against E.faecalis. Further in vivo studies are needed to conclusively recommend, the natural product Manuka honey as a root canal disinfectant.