Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Effectiveness and Compressive Strength in Neem and Lemongrass-Modified Glass Ionomer Cement: An In Vitro Study

Ashwin Jaikumar Ram; Jessy Paulraj; Karthik V; Rajeshkumar Shanmugam; Subhabrata Maiti

doi:10.7759/cureus.56234

Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Effectiveness and Compressive Strength in Neem and Lemongrass-Modified Glass Ionomer Cement: An In Vitro Study

Cureus. 2024 Mar 15;16(3):e56234. doi: 10.7759/cureus.56234. eCollection 2024 Mar.

Authors

Ashwin Jaikumar Ram¹, Jessy Paulraj¹, Karthik V¹, Rajeshkumar Shanmugam², Subhabrata Maiti³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND.
² Nanobiomedicine Lab, Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND.
³ Department of Prosthodontics and Implantology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND.

Abstract

Background Glass ionomer cement (GIC) demonstrates biocompatibility and fluoride ion release, indicating their potential to inhibit a wide range of bacteria, although this remains uncertain. Lemongrass and neem are recognized for their potent antimicrobial activity against numerous pathogenic microorganisms. The objective of the study is to evaluate the antimicrobial effectiveness and compressive strength of GIC modified with neem and lemongrass. Methodology Lemongrass and neem were incorporated into conventional GIC at varying concentrations. Group I - neem-modified GIC (0.5%, 1%, 2%), group II - lemongrass-modified GIC (0.5%, 1%, 2%), and group III (non-modified GIC as a control group). The disk-shaped specimens were then compared to unmodified GIC (control). Antimicrobial effectiveness was assessed using the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus. Compressive strength was assessed using a Universal Testing Machine, with a crosshead speed set to 0.5 mm per minute. Statistical analysis was conducted with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results Neem modification displayed superior antimicrobial effectiveness against both Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus at all concentrations when compared to the control, with 2% showing the least mean value of 0.262. In contrast, lemongrass modification exhibited a significant difference in effectiveness against Streptococcus mutans but no difference against Lactobacillus. Neem modification demonstrated superior performance compared to lemongrass (p < 0.05). Both modified groups showed no significant impact on compressive strength. Conclusions Neem-modified GIC demonstrated the highest antimicrobial efficacy against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus without altering its compressive strength. This suggests its potential as a promising alternative material in restorative dentistry. Additional in vivo investigations are needed to assess the extended-term effectiveness of the material.

Keywords: antimicrobial; compressive strength; lemongrass; modified gic; neem; restorative dentistry.