Comparative Evaluation of Echinacea Angustifolia, Aloe Vera, And Chlorhexidine Incorporated Silver Nanoparticle against Enterococcus Faecalis Biofilm - An In-Vitro Study
Abstract
Purpose: Persistent Enterococcus faecalis biofilms remain one of the major causes of endodontic treatment failure. Nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery systems have emerged as promising approaches to improve antimicrobial efficacy and biofilm penetration. This study evaluated the antibiofilm efficacy of chlorhexidine-incorporated silver nanoparticles (CHX-AgNPs), Aloe vera, Echinacea angustifolia, and sodium hypochlorite against E. faecalis biofilm. Methods: Forty-five extracted single-rooted mandibular premolars were included. Following biomechanical preparation, smear layer removal, sterilization, and inoculation with Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 51299, biofilm formation was established. Five specimens were initially evaluated spectrophotometrically to confirm biofilm formation. The remaining specimens were randomly divided into five groups (n = 8): Group I – 3% Echinacea angustifolia, Group II – 12.5% Aloe vera, Group III – 1% chlorhexidine-incorporated silver nanoparticles, Group IV – 3% sodium hypochlorite, and Group V – 0.9% saline. Following irrigation, dentinal shavings were collected and analyzed using nanospectrophotometry. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed among groups (F = 46.6626; p < 0.0001). Sodium hypochlorite demonstrated the lowest absorbance values indicating maximum antibacterial efficacy. CHX-AgNPs and Aloe vera exhibited antibacterial activity comparable to sodium hypochlorite. Echinacea angustifolia demonstrated moderate efficacy, whereas saline showed the least antibacterial effect. Conclusion: Both 1% chlorhexidine-incorporated silver nanoparticles and 12.5% Aloe vera demonstrated significant antibiofilm activity against Enterococcus faecalis , with efficacy comparable to 3% sodium hypochlorite. These findings suggest their potential as effective adjunctive root canal irrigants and support the use of nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery systems for enhanced endodontic disinfection.