Comparative evaluation ofantimicrobial activity of herbal oils and their ability in disinfection of gutta percha cones - Aninvitro study

Aim: The purpose of this study is to evaluate antimicrobial activity of different herbal oils and their ability in disinfection of gutta percha cones. Material and methods: Antimicrobial activity of Lemon grass oil, Cinnamonoil, Peppermintoil and sodium hypochlorite (positive control) was evaluated using Agar diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus and E. Faecalis. Sixty gutta percha cones were glove handled during ongoing routine endodontic procedures and then cut into two equal halves. First half of contaminated gutta percha cones were placed in brothand incubated and the other halves were treated with herbal oils and sodium hypochlorite for one minute and then incubated for 24hours to check for turbidity. Results: 1)For both tested micro-organisms, Cinnamon oil showed largest zones of inhibition (mean ± SD), 28.6 ± 1.18 mm, 30.8 ± 1.4 mm against E. faecalis, S. aureus. 2)Cinnamon oil is most effective in decontamination of GP cones in 1 minute, followed by NaOCl, Lemon grass oil and Peppermint oil. Conclusion: Cinnamon oil is a potent antimicrobial agent for rapid disinfection of GP cones in one minute and can be an alternative to sodium hypochlorite.