ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECT OF ACACIA NILOTICA HERBAL SUPPLEMENT AND SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE ON ENTEROCOCCUS FAECALIS BIOFILM IN A TOOTH MODEL

Background: The search for an effective antimicrobial agent with less toxic effect than sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) against Enterococcus faecalis (E.faecalis) biofilm is desirable. Acacia Nilotica (A.Nilotica), a natural herbal supplement, known for its antimicrobial action may be a promising alternative option.Objectives: To evaluate and compare the antimicrobial activity of two Acacia formulations (alcohol based and alcohol free) as endodontic irrigants on E.faecalis biofilm versus NaOCl.Methods: Forty extracted maxillary incisors with single canals were decoronated till 14 mm and instrumented with K- files till size #30. Samples were sterilized and inoculated with E. faecalis for 21 days. Using a scanning electron microscope, three additional specimens that were not part of the sample size were chosen at random to verify the establishment of the biofilms. The samples were divided into four groups at random according to the irrigant used during instrumentation: Group 1: A.Nilotica (alcohol based), Group 2: A.Nilotica (alcohol free), Group 3: 2.5% NaOCl, Group 4: Normal saline. Mechanical shaping in all groups was done using ProTaper Next files till file X4. Bacterial sampling was then obtained from the canals using paper points and Hedstrom files to obtain dentin chips. The antimicrobial action was evaluated using bacterial colony-forming units per milliliter (CFUs/ml).Results: The lowest mean CFUs/ml, was found in the NaOCl group with a significant difference compared to other groups (P