EVALUATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL EFFICACY OF Foeniculum vulgare ESSENTIAL OIL -AN in vitro STUDY

Introduction: The most common cause of failure of the most root canal treatments can be attributed to the failure in the removal of intracanal biofilm and presence of various microbial species. The search for an ideal root canal irrigant and medicament is still on so that complete elimination of microbes is achieved. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of essential oil of Foeniculum vulgare seeds (Fennel seeds) against E. faecalis and C. albicans and compare it with the current gold standard, Calcium hydroxide.

Materials and Methods: An undiluted and 100% pure essential oil derived by steam distillation of the Foeniculum vulgare seeds was used. Bacterial and fungal strains of E. faecalis ATCC 29212 and C. albicans ATCC 10231 were cultivated and the test samples of fennel seed oil (20μl), combination of fennel seed oil and calcium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide and 30% propylene glycol were tested against the microbial strains. The zones of inhibition around the treated discs were measured for the antibacterial and antifungal activity assessment.

Results: Analysis of the results showed statistically significant diameters of zones of inhibition (in mm) as compared to negative control. The maximum diameter of inhibition is shown by the combination of fennel seed oil and calcium hydroxide followed by the pure fennel seed oil for both E. faecalis and C. albicans.

Conclusion: F. vulgare essential oil can be tried and used for long standing infection cases owing to its antimicrobial efficacy.