Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Potential of Cashew Nut Shell Liquid Extract (Anacardium occidentale) against Enterococcus faecalis Strains

Abstract

The resistance of microorganisms present in the root canal system is a problem associated with the failure of endodontic treatments. Therefore, the search for treatments based on herbal extracts has been an alternative to prevent persistent endodontic infections. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of cashew nut shell liquid extract (E-CNSL) against Enterococcus faecalis strains. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method. Petri dishes containing Mueller Hinton agar were inoculated on the surface by the microorganism using a swab, then 20 μL of the E-CNSL solution at concentrations of 500 μg/mL and 1000 μg/mL was aseptically deposited in the wells of the inoculated media. The plates were incubated at 37 °C for 24 hours. All the strains studied showed an inhibition halo ≥6 mm at both concentrations of the extract. Therefore, the extract of cashew nut shell liquid (A. occidentale) showed a potential antimicrobial effect against E. faecalis strains.