To determine the antimicrobial effect of water extracts of leaves of Annona muricata and Simarouba glauca on Enterococcus faecalis using agar diffusion method.

Dried leaves of A. muricata and S. glauca were powdered and extracted in a soxhlet apparatus. Enterococcus faecalis was grown overnight in Trypticase soy agar plates. About 10 μL of each extract was placed on agar plates and incubated overnight. The zone of inhibition was measured after 24 hours. About 1% sodium hypochlorite and distilled water were used as positive and negative controls.

The leaf extract of A. muricata showed similar effectiveness as that of sodium hypochlorite, whereas the leaf extract of S. glauca showed only a slight reduction in growth of E. faecalis.

Leaf extract of A. muricata can be developed as an alternative to sodium hypochlorite for root canal irrigants.

Success of endodontic treatment depends on complete disinfection of the root canals. Root canal irrigants have a major role in complete disinfection of the root canals. Chemical root canal irrigants are more or less toxic to the oral environment. In this study, naturally derived leaf extracts of A. muricata and S. glauca are compared with sodium hypochlorite for its effectiveness against E. faecalis – the most common pathogen found in the root canals.

Mathew J, George R, Theruvil R, Padavil TC, Tomy L, Kurian A. Antibacterial Activity of Leaf Extract of Annona muricata and Simarouba glauca on Enterococcus faecalis. J Contemp Dent Pract 2016;17(8):650-653.