Explore the vast range of titles available.

Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium are frequently associated with persistent endodontic infections due to their ability to form biofilms and resist conventional treatments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial and antibiofilm effects of Lavandula dentata L. essential oil at 100% against the standard and clinical strains of Enterococcus spp. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of L. dentata essential oil for each bacterial strain was determined. The antibiofilm effect was evaluated by an MTT assay. Data were statistically analyzed by the ANOVA and Tukey test, with a significance level of 5%. The MBC value was 32% (292.8 mg/mL) against all the tested strains. L. dentata significantly reduced E. faecalis and E. faecium biofilms at 16–64% (146.4–585.6 mg/mL) concentrations, with effects comparable to 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) (p ≥ 0.05). Biofilm reduction was strain-dependent at 30 min but showed broader efficacy after 24 h, particularly against E. faecium clinical strains (p ≤ 0.001). L. dentata demonstrated effective antimicrobial activity against planktonic and biofilm forms of E. faecalis and E. faecium as it reduced biofilm formation at a concentration of 16% and 64% (146.4 and 585.6 mg/mL), with results comparable to 2% CHX after 30 min and 24 h. L. dentata EO may serve as a potential alternative or adjunctive antimicrobial agent in endodontic treatment. However, the study’s limitations included the in vitro design and lack of cytotoxicity assessment.

Herbal medicines can be promising for the treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant microorganisms. This study aimed to evaluate Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) hydroalcoholic extract (RHE) regarding its phytochemical composition and potential for eliminating polymicrobial biofilm of Candida albicans with multidrug-resistant bacteria (Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The extraction and quantification of the extract (flavonoids and phenols) were performed, and its antioxidant activity (DPPH) and the presence of bio-active compounds were investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography with Diode Array Detection (HPLC-DAD) and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum microbicidal concentration (MMC) were determined, and the extract’s action on polymicrobial biofilms was evaluated using the MTT assay. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s tests, as well as Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn’s tests, with a significance level of 5%. RHE showed compatible amounts of flavonoids and phenols, with an EC50 of 19.53 µg/mL. Through HPLC-DAD and GC-MS, biomolecules such as rosmarinic acid and α-Pinene were identified. The extract exhibited microbicidal activity and antibiofilm action, with reduction percentages of up to 69.6% (p < 0.05), showing superior performance compared to 0.12% chlorhexidine against C. albicans + A. baumannii. In conclusion, RHE may be a promising therapeutic agent against multidrug-resistant pathogens.

Candida spp. cause fungal infection that affects patients’ oral health. This study aimed to evaluate the isolated and synergistic antifungal effect of Rosa centifolia L., Curcuma longa L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., and Punica granatum L. glycolic extracts against Candida albicans, Candida dubliniensis, Candida tropicalis, and Candida krusei planktonic and biofilm forms. The plant extracts were chemically characterized and the main compounds were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) analysis. The minimum inhibitory and minimum fungicidal concentrations of the extracts were determined, and antibiofilm activity was evaluated by MTT assay. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s tests, and by Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn’s tests, considering a significance level of 5%. The main compounds identified in each of the extracts were: p-coumaric acid (2153.22 μg/100 mL) in the rosemary extract, gallotannins (4318.31 μg/100 mL) in the pomegranate extract, quercetin derivatives (3316.50 μg/100 mL) in the extract of white roses, and curcumin (135.09 μg/100 mL) in the turmeric extract. The combination of R. centifolia and C. longa glycolic extracts was effective against C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, and C. tropicalis biofilms over different periods (p < 0.05). The combination of R. officinalis and P. granatum glycolic extracts was effective against C. albicans and C. krusei biofilms after 30 min, and against C. tropicalis after 24 h, with all combinations showing an average reduction of 50% in cell viability (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the combined plant extracts have antifungal and antibiofilm action against Candida spp. in different concentrations and times of action.

The search for novel antimicrobial agents in Endodontics is constant to overcoming persistent infections. L. is a medicinal plant little explored in Endodontics. The aim of this study was to produce hydroethanolic extract of L. and to evaluate its phytochemical composition, antimicrobial and antibiofilm action against standard and clinical strains of and , and cytotoxicity and genotoxicity on human keratinocyte cultures (HaCaT cells). The findings provide new insights into the potential of as an alternative endodontic antimicrobial agent, contributing to the development of more effective and biocompatible therapeutic strategies. hydroethanolic extract was produced using young leaves of guajava and extracted using absolute ethanol and ultrapure water in a ratio (30 g:100 mL). The solid soluble, total flavonoid and total phenols content were determined. The chemical composition was determined high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, then the free radical suppressive activity was assessed by determining the IC value, indicating the concentration required to eliminate 50% of free radicals. Later, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum microbicidal concentration (MMC) of the extract was evaluated against the strains using clinical and laboratory standards institute (CLSI) guidelines (M27-S4 and M7-A9). Then, the antibiofilm activity was evaluated MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. Finally, the cytotoxicity of the extract was evaluated Alamar Blue assay, and the genotoxicity micronucleus assay on human keratinocyte cultures (HaCaT cells). Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's test or Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's test. The soluble solids content in the extract was 3.35%. Using the quercetin standard curve, the total flavonoid concentration was 0.130 ± 0.110 mg/mL. In addition, using standard curve for phenolic acids, the total phenolic concentration was 1.770 ± 1.540 mg/mL. HPLC analysis revealed peaks of rutin, quercetin and kaempferol as major flavonoids in the L. extract. The extract demonstrated notable antioxidant activity, with an IC value of 10.39 µg/mL. The MMC values ranged 1.04-8.37 mg/mL. The extract at 8.37 mg/mL was effective in reducing the biofilms of standard and clinical strains of and after 10 min. Cytotoxicity analysis revealed that all tested concentrations exhibited relatively low toxicity toward HaCaT cells. Genotoxicity assessment the micronucleus assay indicated minimal DNA damage at all tested concentrations. Overall, L. hydroethanolic extract at 8.37 mg/mL is the most effective concentration in reducing the biofilm of the standard and clinical strains of and , while maintaining biocompatibility with HaCaT cultures.

Enterococcus faecalis is strongly associated with secondary/persistent root canal infections, being the most prevalent bacterium in cases of apical periodontitis in previously treated teeth. This study was elaborated to evaluate the anti-planktonic, antibiofilm, and synergistic effects of Nasturtium officinale and Psidium guajava hydroethanolic extracts against standard and clinical strains of E. faecalis. Firstly, the N. officinale extract was prepared from watercress leaves, and P. guajava extract was prepared from guava tree leaf shoots. Then, the content of soluble solids was quantified in both. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of the isolated N. officinale and P. guajava extracts for each bacterial strain were determined using the broth microdilution method, following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guideline M7-A9. The MTT assay was used to evaluate the antibiofilm activity, and the fractional bactericidal concentration index (FBCI) was utilized to evaluate the synergistic effect of the N. officinale and P. guajava extracts using the checkerboard technique. Again, the MTT assay was used to evaluate the antibiofilm activity of the combined extracts this time. The data were subjected to statistical analysis using ANOVA and Tukey’s test, with a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. It was found that the soluble solid content of N. officinale was 50 mg/mL, and of P. guajava was 33.5 mg/mL. The MBC value of N. officinale was 12.5 mg/mL, and of P. guajava was 0.52 mg/mL against all the tested strains of E. faecalis. The combined 0.1 mg/mL N. officinale + 0.1 mg/mL P. guajava, and 0.1 mg/mL N. officinale + 0.5 mg/mL P. guajava hydroethanolic extracts effectively reduced the biofilm formation of the standard and clinical strain 4 of E. faecalis. Therefore, these combined extracts may be considered as endodontic irrigants in future studies.

This study aimed to assess the relationship between apical fenestration—a defect in the alveolar bone involving the root apex—and tooth position in all tooth groups, excluding the third molars, utilizing cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. A total of 800 CBCT scans (400 maxillary and 400 mandibular) from patients undergoing various treatments were examined by a single professional (radiologist and endodontist). Statistical analyses, including the chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test, were conducted using R software 2.7.3 (R Foundation, Vienna, Austria). Results indicated a significant association (p ≤ 0.05) between apical fenestration and tooth position. In the upper teeth, apical fenestrations were notably present in the mesio-buccal (17.17%) and disto-buccal (11.07%) roots of the first molars. Conversely, apical fenestrations in the lower teeth were relatively less frequent. The study revealed a negative correlation between apical fenestration and mesial inclination, rotation, and extrusion in the upper teeth. However, a positive correlation was observed between apical fenestration and lingual inclination in the upper teeth. In conclusion, this study illuminates the distribution of apical fenestration and its correlation with tooth positions, offering insights into factors influencing this defect in dental anatomy. The findings enhance our understanding of nuanced relationships between tooth position and apical fenestration in the upper and lower dental arches.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), chlorhexidine (CHX), and the glycolic extract of propolis (GEP) as endodontic irrigants and of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2], CHX, or Ca(OH)2 + CHX as intracanal medications on the capacity of the lipoteichoic acid (LTA) of Enterococcus faecalis in macrophages’ proinflammatory cytokines production. Freshly extracted 108 human single-rooted teeth were used in this study. The LTA of E. faecalis was standardized in double-distilled pyrogen-free water (250 µg/mL) and inoculated into the specimens subdivided into nine subgroups (n = 12). Cultures of murine macrophages (RAW 264.7) were treated with 30 µL of each sample collected from root canals and incubated (37 °C, 5% CO2) for 24 h. Lastly, anti-TNF-α, anti-IL-6, anti-IP-10, anti-MIP-1α, anti-G-CSF, and anti-IL-1β DuoSet kits were used to perform an ELISA assay. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey test (p ≥ 0.05). It was found that 1% NaOCl was the most effective irrigant in reducing the capacity of LTA in cytokines production, followed by 12% GEP and 2% CHX, respectively. Ca(OH)2 + CHX presented the best results when associated with NaOCl or GEP. Thus, NaOCl or GEP associated with Ca(OH)2 + CHX were effective in reducing the capacity of LTA in different macrophages pro-inflammatory cytokines production.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Aloe vera and chlorhexidine “CHX” as disinfectants on the success of selective caries removal technique in deep carious lesions. A total of 60 patients with: (I) deep class II carious lesion diagnosed with reversible pulpitis; (II) good oral hygiene; (III) no gingival recession or periodontal diseases; (IV) no antibiotic or antifungal treatment in the last three months; and (V) no systematic disease or pregnancy were included in the study. Sixty patients were distributed randomly to three experimental groups (n = 20): Group 1: no disinfectant solution was applied (control group); group 2: the cavity was filled with 2% CHX for 5 mins and then dried with a sterilized cotton pellet; group 3: the cavity was filled with Aloe vera extract for 5 mins and then dried with sterilized cotton pellet. One week later, only teeth with vital pulp characteristics were restored definitely with resin composite. After 18 months, clinical and radiographic examination was performed by using a blinded separated evaluator. The data were tabulated and analyzed using the chi-square test by SPSS 13.0 with a significance level (p≤0.05). It was observed that 13 teeth of the control group, 14 teeth of the CHX group, and 16 teeth of the Aloe vera group were diagnosed with healthy vital pulp after 18 months. There was no significant difference between the CHX and the control group; however, there was a significant difference between the Aloe vera and control group (p≤0.007). Aloe vera extract as a cavity disinfectant increases the success rate of selective caries removal technique of deep carious lesions.

Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii are opportunistic pathogens, and both are involved in different oral infections. This work aimed to analyze the phytochemical composition of Myrciaria cauliflora hydroethanolic extract and to evaluate its antimicrobial and antibiofilm action against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) and Acinetobacter baumannii (ATCC 19606; multi-resistant clinical strains 58004, 50098, 566006, and H557). Myrciaria cauliflora hydroethanolic extract was prepared, and the content of soluble solids, flavonoids, and phenols was quantified. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed later. The minimum inhibitory concentration was determined using the broth microdilution method according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, standard M7-A6, and subsequently, its minimum bactericidal concentration was determined. Then, the most effective concentrations were analyzed against biofilms. Statistical analysis was performed using the ANOVA method with Tukey’s test. The soluble solids content in the prepared hydroethanolic extract of M. cauliflora was 2.22%. Additionally, the total flavonoid content, measured using the quercetin standard curve, was 0.040 mg/mL. Furthermore, the total phenol content, determined using the gallic acid standard curve, was 0.729 mg/mL. HPLC analysis presented peaks of gallic acid (11.80 m), p-coumaric acid (12.09 m), cinnamic acid derivative (19.02 m), and ellagic acid (29.83 m). The extract demonstrated antimicrobial and antibiofilm action against all tested strains. However, the most effective antibacterial concentration against all the tested bacteria was 5.55 mg/mL. Therefore, these chemical components justify that M. cauliflora hydroethanolic extract is effective in reducing biofilm formation in S. aureus (standard strain) and A. baumannii (standard and clinical strains).

Candida spp. cause fungal infection that affects patients’ oral health. This study aimed to evaluate the isolated and synergistic antifungal effect of Rosa centifolia L., Curcuma longa L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., and Punica granatum L. glycolic extracts against Candida albicans, Candida dubliniensis, Candida tropicalis, and Candida krusei planktonic and biofilm forms. The plant extracts were chemically characterized and the main compounds were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) analysis. The minimum inhibitory and minimum fungicidal concentrations of the extracts were determined, and antibiofilm activity was evaluated by MTT assay. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s tests, and by Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn’s tests, considering a significance level of 5%. The main compounds identified in each of the extracts were: p-coumaric acid (2153.22 μg/100 mL) in the rosemary extract, gallotannins (4318.31 μg/100 mL) in the pomegranate extract, quercetin derivatives (3316.50 μg/100 mL) in the extract of white roses, and curcumin (135.09 μg/100 mL) in the turmeric extract. The combination of R. centifolia and C. longa glycolic extracts was effective against C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, and C. tropicalis biofilms over different periods (p < 0.05). The combination of R. officinalis and P. granatum glycolic extracts was effective against C. albicans and C. krusei biofilms after 30 min, and against C. tropicalis after 24 h, with all combinations showing an average reduction of 50% in cell viability (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the combined plant extracts have antifungal and antibiofilm action against Candida spp. in different concentrations and times of action.