Antibacterial and smear layer removal efficacy of moringa (Moringa oleifera): An in vitro study.

Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaves decoction for removing a smear layer compared to sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), as well as its antimicrobial activities. Methods: The moringa leaves were extracted using hot water decoction at two different concentrations (2.5% and 5.0% w/v). A total of 30 extracted human single-rooted teeth were prepared to assess the smear layer removal efficacy. The presence of a smear layer in the middle third of the root canal was detected by confocal microscopy. Then the antibacterial effects were assessed against Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus mutans bacteria using the agar diffusion method. Results: The 2.5% and 5.0% decoction were significantly more effective than 0.25% NaOCl in removing the smear layer (p < 0.05); however, no significant difference was observed compared to EDTA (p > 0.05). The in vitro antimicrobial assay showed that 5.0% decoction had higher antimicrobial activity against both of the test pathogens. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that moringa leaves decoction can be considered an effective irrigant in endodontics.

Acute toxicity potential and impact on periodontal and periapical tissue of Pulp Out: A paste contained jatropha, sidaguri, and melittin.

Pulp Out, paste-contained jatropha sap, sidaguri roots, and melittin, has been studied to have potency used as an herbal-based devitalizing agent. Prior to clinical application, the toxicity of Pulp Out should be evaluated as it might leak from the cavity unintentionally and get into the digestive systems, which can cause either local or systemic effects. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of Pulp Out application on periodontal and periapical tissue as well as acute toxicity in Wistar rats. The paste was inserted into the periapical tissue. After 7 days, the periapical tissue was isolated for histopathological evaluation. Pulp Out in an oral suspension of 50, 500 and 2500 mg/kg BW was administered. Autonomic nerve signs were observed intensively every 4 h as well as water and food consumption for 14 days. Biochemical, hematologic parameters and specific organs were evaluated. Therefore, considering the inflammatory lymphocyte cells, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts, Pulp Out is not toxic. The acute toxicity study revealed no treatment-related death was observed, indicating that LD50 is greater than 2500 mg/kg BW. No significant difference statistically either in body weight, water or food consumption as was observed in autonomic clinical signs of treated groups when compared to the control. Similarly, biochemical and hematologic properties showed no significant difference compared to control. Histopathological, slightly hydrophilic degenerative was observed in all organs. In conclusion, Pulp Out showed low acute toxicity in Wistar rats.