Objective: To evaluate antimicrobial efficacy of Triphala,
Green tea polyphenols (GTP) and 3% of sodium hypochlorite
against E. faecalis biofilm formed on tooth substrate. Method:
Human extracted teeth were biomechanically prepared, vertically
sectioned and placed in wells containing E. faecalis to form a
biofilm. After 2 weeks all groups were treated for 10 minutes
with test solutions (Triphala, GTP, 3% of sodium hypochlorite
and saline) and were analysed quantitatively. Results:
Quantitative analysis showed complete inhibition of bacterial
growth with 3% of sodium hypochlorite. Groups treated with
Triphala, GTP and saline showed 2.3±0.59 × 104 CFU/ml,
3.8±0.79 × 104 CFU/ml and 9.90±0.52 bacterial growth
respectively. Conclusion: Sodium hypochlorite has shown
maximum antibacterial activity against E. faecalis biofilm formed
in tooth substrate. Triphala and GTP have shown significantly
better antibacterial activity. Herbal alternatives can be used as
root canal irrigants, considering the undesirable effects of sodium
hypochlorite.