Evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of ethanolic extract of Cuminium Cyminium as intracanal medicament on common bacteria of endodontic infections: An in vitro study.

Context: Antimicrobial intracanal medicaments play a vital role in successful outcome of any endodontic procedure. One such plant extract Cuminium cyminium, as intracanal medicaments needs to be researched.

Aims: The purpose of this study was in vitro assessment of the antibacterial activity of ethanol extract of C. Cyminium in comparison to Calcium hydroxide (Ca[OH]₂) as intracanal medicament against the pathogens of endodontic infection, at an interval 1 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h.

Settings and design: The study was conducted in the central research laboratory of our institute. Freshly prepared C. cyminium extract was procured from AYUSH approved laboratory and direct contact test (DCT) was utilized, which is based on turbidometric determination of microbial growth in a 96-well microplate, carrying 6 times for each bacteria.

Methodology: Three groups were assigned for each material in a 96 microwell plate for DCT. Bacterial growth kinetics was monitored at intervals of 1 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h using spectrophotometer at 595 nm. The optical density of T2 (Test group), P2 (Positive control), and N2 (Negative control) was considered.

Statistical analysis used: After compiling the data, based on the normality of data, further statistical analysis was conducted using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Paired t-test, and pairwise comparisons by Turkey's multiple post hoc procedures. The level of statistical significance was set at P = 0.05.

Results: The comparison of mean optical density values of C. cyminium in comparison with Ca(OH)₂ against the microorganisms of endodontic origin showed a statically significant decrease in bacterial viability at the end of 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h.

Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that C. cyminium has significant antibacterial action against endodontic origin, at interval of 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h.