Comparative evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of triple antibiotic paste and propolis extract using three different vehicles as intracanal medicament: An in vitro study

ABSTRACT Objectives: To compare the antimicrobial efficacy of triple antibiotic paste and propolis extract with three different vehicles against Enterococcus faecalis , Staphylococcus aureus , and Candida albicans . Study Design: Crude form of propolis was taken and processed to obtain three different extracts of propolis using ethanol, glycerin, and water and was compared with triple antibiotic paste. The sample was divided into four groups as follows: Group 1—Triple antibiotic paste, Group 2—Ethanol extract of propolis, Group 3—Glycerin extract of propolis, and Group 4—Water extract of propolis. Fifty microliters of inoculum of three bacterial strains ( Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans ) were taken and loaded onto Petri dishes by evenly streaking the entire surface of the plates. These plates were incubated at 37 °C for 24 h, and the zone of inhibition was recorded and sent for statistical analysis. Results and Conclusion: A significant difference ( P < 0.05) was observed in the propolis extract groups and triple antibiotic group. The glycerin extract of propolis had better antimicrobial activity at all tested concentrations. As propolis is a natural product, it can be used as an alternative to conventional intracanal medicament.