Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy of Spilanthes Acmella Flower Extract as an Intracanal Medicament with Calcium hydroxide and 2%Chlorhexidine gel –An in Vitro Study

Abstract

Aim- To compare and evaluate effectivity of Spilanthes Acmella flower head extract as a potent intracanal medicament with time tested calcium hydroxide and 2% chlorhexidine gel. Materials and Methods- The bacterial and fungal strains of Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212) and Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) respectively, were tested against 5% and 10% of Spilanthes acmella flower extract and calcium hydroxide and 2% chlorhexidine gel.Fixed volumes (100 microliters) of Spilanthes acmella flower head extract in concentrations of 5% and 10%, 2% chlorhexidine gel, 5% and 10% of calcium hydroxide were then transferred by micropipettes under aseptic conditions. The agar plates were maintained at room temperature for 1hr to allow uniform spread of the solvents and then they were incubated at 37° C for up to 24-48 hrs. The zones of inhibition were measured by using mm scale and the diameter was noted.Statistical Analysis- Results of Spilanthes Acmella flower extract were compared with calcium hydroxide and 2% chlorhexidine gel using One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) , Post-hoc Tukey’s test, Median test and Kruskal-Wallis test. Result- 10% Spilanthes Acmella extract (SPA) showed significant zone of inhibition against E.feacalis and C.albicans in comparison to 5% and 10% calcium hydroxide. However, 2% Chlorhexidine gel showed dominance over both SPA extract and calcium hydroxide. Conclusion- Spilanthes acmella extract has significant antibacterial and antifungal property and has the potential to be utilized as an intracanal medicament.