Antibacterial Efficacy of Allium Sativum L. Extract As a Root Canal Irrigant in Pulpless Teeth with Infected Root Canal Systems

Aims: Numerous studies have shown that the raw garlic extract has bactericidal effect against many pathogenic bacteria, even some antibiotic-resistant strains. Considering the role of bacteria in the development of pulpal and periapical diseases, this study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of aqueous extract of garlic (Allium Sativum L.) as an endodontic irrigant.

Methodology: In this randomized clinical trial a total of 36 patients with an infected tooth were randomly assigned into two groups (intervention group and control group). Each patient should have a single-canal tooth with a pupless and infected root canal system and chronic apical periodontitis. In group I, canals were irrigated with Allium Sativum L. with 0.1mg/ml concentration (intervention group) and in group II canals were irrigated with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (control group). Viable colony-forming units(CFU) were quantified before and 3 days after chemomechanical debridement in each group. The data were analyzed statistically using Mann-Whitney u test and Wilcoxon test. The significance level in the statistical analysis was considered to be 5% in both groups.

Results: The initial bacterial samples were positive in all 36 teeth. In both groups, the number of CFU counts for aerobic and anaerobic samples decreased significantly after intervention (P <0.001). No significant differences were observed between garlic extract and 2.5% NaOCl in the reduction of CFU counts in both aerobic and anaerobic cultures.

Conclusion: There were no significant differences between the antibacterial efficacy of garlic extract and 2.5% NaOCl.