Ethnobotanical approach against resistant endodontic pathogens using morinda species – an antimicrobial study.

Abstract

Resistant microorganisms lack the ability to respond to conventional treatment resulting in reinfection of endodontically treated teeth, hence a greater risk of persistent periapical diseases. Aim:-As an unprecedented shift towards herbal remedies, Morinda citrifolia and Morinda tinctoria , known for their high therapeutic value were evaluated for antimicrobial efficacy . Materials and methods:- Morinda citrifolia and Morinda tinctoria extracts at varied concentrations were tested against most common endodontic microorganisms such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, resistant facultative anaerobe, Enterococcus faecalis and resistant aerobe, Staphylococcus aureus and compared them with the conventional irrigants, 3% NaOCl using agar well diffusion method. The zones of inhibition obtained were measured and the results were statistically analysed. Results: - The antimicrobial efficiency of M.tinctoria and M.citrifolia was statistically significant at different concentration when compared to 3% NaOCl. M.tinctoria at 60mg/ml concentration has antimicrobial efficacy comparable to that of 3% NaOCl. Conclusion:- Results showed that both Morinda tinctoria and Morinda citrifolia are efficient in inhibiting the growth of resistant microorganisms responsible for endodontic failure. M. tinctoria has shown better antimicrobial efficacy than Morinda citrifolia which is comparable to that of 3% NaOCl.