The effectiveness of white turmeric (Curcuma zedoaria) extracts as root canal irrigation alternative material on Streptococcus viridans

Abstract

Irrigation is one of the important principles of triad endodontic to eradicate microorganisms in root canal infections. The rhizomes of white turmeric (Curcuma zedoaria) contain compounds that have antibacterial activity and has a potential to be used as an alternative for irrigation solution. The study was done to evaluated the antimicrobial activity of white turmeric extracts againts Streptococcus viridans. This experimental in vitro study used four extracts of white turmeric with various concentrations (100%, 50%, 25%, 12.5%) as tested groups, 2% Chlorhexidine as positive control and distilled water as negative control group. Solid BHI medium containing Streptococcus viridans was perforated with a cork borer and dropped by 5 mL solution according to each group. The inhibition zone diameter was measured to evaluate antibacterial efficacy. Data were analyzed by One Way ANOVA and continued by Post-hoc Bonferroni. The results showed that all groups had significant differences. The largest growth inhibition zone was 100% white turmeric extracts group and had strong antibacterial effect, followed by 50% and 2% chlorhexidine, while 25% and 12.5% extracts had moderate antibacterial effect. Based on the results of this study it can be concluded that white turmeric extracts can inhibit the growth of Streptococcus viridans.