Introduction: The antimicrobial efficacy of root canal irrigant plays an important role in increasing the success of root canal treatment (RCT). The aim of the present experimental study was to compare the antimicrobial activity of Triphala (a plant-derived solution) with 0.5, 1, 2.5 and 5% concentrations of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), against Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis).
Methods and materials: Two hundred plates of cultured E. faecalis, were divided into 5 experimental groups (n=38) and two positive and negative control groups. The antimicrobial activity of the test solutions was determined by measuring the zone of inhibition in the culture media. The mean diameter of inhibited zones between the study groups was compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for the two-by-two comparison of the groups with the level of significance set at 0.05.
Results: The Kruskal-Wallis test showed significant differences between the study groups (P<0.05). According to the Mann-Whitney U test the mean diameter of inhibition zones in Triphala group was significantly higher compared to 0.5 and 1% NaOCl (P<0.05).
Conclusion: In this study, Triphala exhibited better antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis compared to 0.5 and 1% NaOCl (P<0.05).
Keywords: Antibacterial Agents; Enterococcus Faecalis; Root Canal Treatment; Sodium Hypochlorite; Triphala; Zone of Inhibition.