EFFICACY OF CRANBERRY DISTILLATE AS A ROOT CANAL IRRIGANT: AN in vitro MICROBIAL ANALYSIS

Introduction: With the advent of time there has been recent advancements in dentistry in terms of procedures as well in terms of complications. The most common cause for outfall of root canal treatment is persistence of bacteria and the most common bacteria that is involved in this aspect would be Enterococcus faecalis. To combat recent day problems in various fields, herbal alternatives are being considered in every field of medicine. This study was a venture in the same aspect where the efficacy of cranberry distillate as a root canal irrigant was assessed.

Materials and Methods: Dried Cranberry was obtained and the extract was prepared in the form of aqueous and ethanolic extracts. Enterococcus faecalis was cultured on Muller Hilton Agar and the Antimicrobial property was assessed by using disc diffusion method. A positive control of Sodium Hypochlorite was used.

Results: On obtaining the results it was viewed that maximum zone of inhibition was observed while using 150 micro litres of the substance. Among the three compounds that were used, ethanolic extract of cranberry proved to have better Antimicrobial property (16mm zone of inhibition).

Conclusion: This is a first of its kind study. It is evident from the current in vitro antimicrobial study that cranberry distillate has formidable Antimicrobial property and similarly the distillate can be used in the future as a root canal irrigant. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are to be done to ensure that the same can be introduced into clinical practice for the betterment of the general population.