Comparative Evaluation Of Antibacterial Activity Of Calcium Hydroxide Combined With Three Different Ayurvedic Oils As Vehicle Against Fusobacterium Nucleatum – In Vitro Study

Abstract

Background: Apical periodontitis is primarily caused by microbial invasion of the root canal system, with Fusobacterium nucleatum being one of the key pathogens linked to endodontic treatment failure. Calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)₂] is a widely used intracanal medicament, but its limited efficacy against certain anaerobes necessitates the exploration of alternative or adjunctive agents. Herbal oils such as Arimedadi, Dashmool, and Liquorice oil have shown promising antimicrobial potential in traditional medicine.

Aim: To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of calcium hydroxide combined with three different Ayurvedic oils—Arimedadi oil, Dashmool oil, and Liquorice oil—against Fusobacterium nucleatum in vitro.

Materials and Methods: An in vitro study was conducted using F. nucleatum (MTCC 23726). The antimicrobial activity of calcium hydroxide mixed with each oil was assessed using agar well diffusion and broth microdilution methods. The inhibition zones were measured, and results statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test (p < 0.05).

Results: All calcium hydroxide-oil combinations exhibited antibacterial activity against F. nucleatum. Glycerine (control) demonstrated the highest inhibition (19.62 ± 0.89 mm), followed by Liquorice oil (15.85 ± 0.91 mm), Dashmool oil (15.35 ± 0.21 mm), and Arimedadi oil (13.60 ± 0.14 mm). Statistically significant differences were observed between groups (p < 0.01). Liquorice and Dashmool oils showed comparable efficacy, while Arimedadi oil showed the least antibacterial activity.

Conclusion: The incorporation of Ayurvedic oils, particularly Liquorice and Dashmool oils, enhances the antimicrobial efficacy of calcium hydroxide against F. nucleatum.