In vitro evaluation of antibacterial effect of combination of honey and Aloe vera extract against Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli

Antimicrobial agents are used as intra-canal drugs or canal cleaners for complete dental root canal cleaning. This new study attempts to compare the antibacterial effect of 2% chlorhexidine and combination of honey and Aloe vera extract (H-Av mixture) against Enterococcus faecalis (E.faecalis) and Escherichia coli (E.coli) which are the most important pathogens isolated from infectious root canals. Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC® 29212™) and Escherichia coli (ATCC® 25922™) were cultured in the tryptic soy broth medium. Dilution of H-Av mixture by the method of macrodilution to determine Minimum Inhibitory Concentration was investigated. In this paper agar well diffusion and colony count methods were also used to ensure the accuracy of the results. The results were statistically analyzed by student’s t-test. The significant level established at 5% (P 0.05) Increasing drug resistance to antimicrobial compounds needs to study of new drugs against pathogens. H-Av mixture with benefits such as availability, good taste and easier use than chlorhexidine, and fewer side effects can be a good option for intracanal irrigation after clinical trials.