Genus Equisetum L: Taxonomy, toxicology, phytochemistry and pharmacology.

INTRODUCTION: The genus Equisetum (Equisetaceae) is cosmopolitan in distribution, with 41 recognized species. Several species of Equisetum are widely used in treating genitourinary and related diseases, inflammatory and rheumatic problems, hypertension, and wound healing in traditional medicine practices worldwide. This review intends to present information on the traditional uses, phytochemical components, pharmacological activities, and toxicity of Equisetum spp. and to analyze the new insights for further study. METHODS: Relevant literature has been scanned and collected via various electronic repositories, including PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Springer Connect, and Science Online, from 1960 to 2022. RESULTS: Sixteen Equisetum spp. were documented as widely used in traditional medicine practices by different ethnic groups throughout the world. A total of 229 chemical compounds were identified from Equisetum spp. with the major group of constituents being flavonol glycosides and flavonoids. The crude extracts and phytochemicals of Equisetum spp. exhibited significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiulcerogenic, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and diuretic properties. A wide range of studies have also demonstrated the safety of Equisetum spp. CONCLUSION: The reported pharmacological properties of Equisetum spp. support its use in traditional medicine, though there are gaps in understanding the traditional usage of these plants for clinical experiments. The documented information revealed that the genus is not only a great herbal remedy but also has several bioactives with the potential to be discovered as novel drugs. Detailed scientific investigation is still needed to fully understand the efficacy of this genus; hence, very few Equisetum spp. were studied in detail for phytochemical and pharmacological investigation. Moreover, its bioactives, structure-activity connection, in vivo activity, and associated mechanism of action ought to be explored further.

Comparison of cytotoxicity and smear layer removal efficacy of triphala (an Indian ayurvedic herbal formulation) and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite as root canal irrigants: An in vitro study.

INTRODUCTIO: Healing potential of plants is an age-old idea that has recently attained renewed interest. Considering the ineffectiveness, potentially harmful effects, and safety concerns of commonly used synthetic irrigants, the herbal alternatives for endodontic usage might prove to be advantageous. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the adequacy of smear layer removal and cytotoxicity potential of triphala in comparison to sodium hypochlorite. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in two parts: the first part of the study was cytotoxicity assessment studied using Alamar blue assay. L929 mouse fibroblasts were seeded in 96-well plates at a density of 5000 cells/well and treated with different concentrations of triphala and NaOCl for a period of 24 and 48 h. The percentage of cell viability was then quantified using an Alamar blue assay. The optical density was measured at 570 nm and compared with 620 nm, which was considered as a reference wavelength. The second part of the study was smear layer assessment at the coronal, middle, and apical third of twenty human premolar teeth using scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: The Alamar blue reagent cytotoxicity study suggested that triphala showed no cytotoxic properties against the normal mouse fibroblast cells whereas sodium hypochlorite showed a significant cytotoxic effect against the L929 cell lines with the IC50 concentration at 1.8%, respectively, after the treatment of 24 h of incubation at 37°C temperature. Triphala was as effective as sodium hypochlorite in smear layer removal in the coronal and middle third of the root, but sodium hypochlorite showed better smear layer removal in the apical third. CONCLUSION: Triphala can be considered as a superior irrigant with good antibacterial efficacy and least cytotoxicity potential compared to conventional hypochlorite irrigating agent and provide adequate clearing of smear layer in the coronal and middle third, and further studies are warranted to alter the properties of liquid to make it more cleansable in the apical third of the root.