A Comparative Evaluation of Khadirarishta and Chlorhexidine as Intracanal Medicament on Enterococcus faecalis using a Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope – An in vitro Study

A BSTRACT Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of Khadirarishta, a polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation, and 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gel as intracanal medicaments against Enterococcus faecalis using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Materials and Methods: Twenty-six single-rooted anterior teeth were decoronated, instrumented with K-files, and prepared up to ProTaper F3. The canals were inoculated with E. faecalis and incubated for 7 days. Specimens were divided into three groups based on the medicaments used: Group 1: 8.1% Khadirarishta gel, Group 2: 2% CHX gel, and Group 3: saline (control). After 7 days, the intracanal medicaments were removed, and bacterial viability was assessed using CLSM. The results were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Results: Both 8.1% Khadirarishta and 2% CHX gels effectively reduced the bacterial load in the coronal, middle, and apical thirds of the root canal. While both medicaments demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, there was no statistically significant difference between the two. However, both were significantly more effective than saline (control). Conclusion: Khadirarishta (8.1%) showed comparable efficacy to 2% CHX in reducing E. faecalis within the root canal, highlighting its potential as a promising intracanal medicament in endodontic treatment.