HERBAL ENDODONTICS: A Clinical and Scientific Perspective

Herbal endodontics involves the use of plant-based agents as alternatives or adjuncts to conventional chemicals in root canal therapy. Interest in herbal products has increased due to concerns over the cytotoxicity of sodium hypochlorite, limited action of chlorhexidine, and the rise of antimicrobial resistance. Herbal extracts offer antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and biocompatible properties, making them suitable for irrigation, intracanal medication, smear layer removal, and postoperative healing.Common herbal irrigants include Neem, Triphala, Green tea polyphenols (EGCG), Morinda citrifolia, Garlic, Aloe vera, Curcumin, and Propolis. These agents are effective against E. faecalis and fungal biofilms, though most lack significant tissue-dissolving ability. Herbal medicaments such as neem gel, curcumin paste, garlic extract, and propolis paste help eliminate residual microbes and improve periapical healing. Triphala and phytic acid have shown promising smear-layer removal capabilities comparable to EDTA but with less dentin erosion.Herbal additives in sealers, especially propolis-based formulations, enhance sealing and reduce microleakage.

Pagina's: 144, Paperback, LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing