Comparative evaluation of minimal inhibitory concentration and minimal bactericidal concentration of various herbal irrigants against Enterococcus faecalis

Context: The purpose of this article is to evaluate the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of Herbal Irrigants. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate MIC and MBC of herbal extracts of Azadirachta indica , Curcuma longa , and Green Tea Against Enterococcus faecalis . Methodology: The MIC and MBC of extracts of A . indica (neem), C. longa (turmeric), and Green Tea were evaluated to establish them as standard root canal irrigants against E. faecalis using agar well diffusion method. Statistical Analysis Used: The collected data were statistically analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results: The present study found that green tea exhibited the most substantial antimicrobial activity among the tested herbal extracts, which was comparable to chlorhexidine. Although A. indica and C. longa required higher concentrations for effectiveness, their antimicrobial properties were also apparent. Conclusions: Within the constraints of this study, it can be concluded that green tea could be considered a promising alternative to chlorhexidine in treating endodontic infections due to its substantial antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis at lower concentrations.