Antibacterial Effect of Azadirachta indica (Neem) or Curcuma longa (Turmeric) against Enterococcus faecalis Compared with That of 5% Sodium Hypochlorite or 2% Chlorhexidine in vitro

Comparative evaluation of minimal inhibitory concentration and minimal bactericidal concentration of various herbal irrigants against Enterococcus faecalis

Context

The purpose of this article is to evaluate the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of Herbal Irrigants.

Aim

The aim of the study was to evaluate MIC and MBC of herbal extracts of Azadirachta indica, Curcuma longa, and Green Tea Against Enterococcus faecalis.

Methodology

The MIC and MBC of extracts of A . indica (neem), C. longa (turmeric), and Green Tea were evaluated to establish them as standard root canal irrigants against E. faecalis using agar well diffusion method.

Statistical Analysis Used

The collected data were statistically analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software.

Results

The present study found that green tea exhibited the most substantial antimicrobial activity among the tested herbal extracts, which was comparable to chlorhexidine. Although A. indica and C. longa required higher concentrations for effectiveness, their antimicrobial properties were also apparent.

Conclusions

Within the constraints of this study, it can be concluded that green tea could be considered a promising alternative to chlorhexidine in treating endodontic infections due to its substantial antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis at lower concentrations.

Deciphering the key pathway for triterpenoid biosynthesis in Azadirachta indica A. Juss.: a comprehensive review of omics studies in nature's pharmacy

Since ancient times, Azadirachta indica, or Neem, has been a well-known species of plant that produces a broad range of bioactive terpenoid chemicals that are involved in a variety of biological functions. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that are responsible for the biosynthesis and control of terpenoid synthesis is majorly dependent on successfully identifying the genes that are involved in their production. This review provides an overview of the recent developments concerning the identification of genes in A. indica that are responsible for the production of terpenoids. Numerous candidate genes encoding enzymes that are involved in the terpenoid biosynthesis pathway have been found through the use of transcriptomic and genomic techniques. These candidate genes include those that are responsible for the precursor synthesis, cyclization, and modification of terpenoid molecules. In addition, cutting-edge omics technologies, such as metabolomics and proteomics, have helped to shed light on the intricate regulatory networks that govern terpenoid biosynthesis. These networks are responsible for the production of terpenoids. The identification and characterization of genes involved in terpenoid biosynthesis in A. indica presents potential opportunities for genetic engineering and metabolic engineering strategies targeted at boosting terpenoid production as well as discovering novel bioactive chemicals.

Bacterial sensitivity to chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine antiseptics over time: a systematic review and meta-analysis of human-derived data

Surgical site infection (SSI) is the most common complication of surgery, increasing healthcare costs and hospital stay. Chlorhexidine (CHX) and povidone-iodine (PVI) are used for skin antisepsis, minimising SSIs. There is concern that  resistance to topical biocides may be emergeing, although the potential clinical implications remain unclear. The objective of this systematic review was to determine whether the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of topical preparations of CHX or PVI have changed over time, in microbes relevant to SSI. We included studies reporting the MBC of laboratory and clinical isolates of common microbes to CHX and PVI. We excluded studies using non-human samples and antimicrobial solvents or mixtures with other active substances. MBC was pooled in random effects meta-analyses and the change in MBC over time was explored using meta-regression. Seventy-nine studies were included, analysing 6218 microbes over 45 years. Most studies investigated CHX (93%), with insufficient data for meta-analysis of PVI. There was no change in the MBC of CHX to Staphylococci or Streptococci over time. Overall, we find no evidence of reduced susceptibility of common SSI-causing microbes to CHX over time. This provides reassurance and confidence in the worldwide guidance that CHX should remain the first-choice agent for surgical skin antisepsis.

The Antimicrobial Potential of the Neem Tree Azadirachta indica

Azadirachta indica (A. Juss), also known as the neem tree, has been used for millennia as a traditional remedy for a multitude of human ailments. Also recognized around the world as a broad-spectrum pesticide and fertilizer, neem has applications in agriculture and beyond. Currently, the extensive antimicrobial activities of A. indica are being explored through research in the fields of dentistry, food safety, bacteriology, mycology, virology, and parasitology. Herein, some of the most recent studies that demonstrate the potential of neem as a previously untapped source of novel therapeutics are summarized as they relate to the aforementioned research topics. Additionally, the capacity of neem extracts and compounds to act against drug-resistant and biofilm-forming organisms, both of which represent large groups of pathogens for which there are limited treatment options, are highlighted. Updated information on the phytochemistry and safety of neem-derived products are discussed as well. Although there is a growing body of exciting evidence that supports the use of A. indica as an antimicrobial, additional studies are clearly needed to determine the specific mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, and in vivo safety of neem as a treatment for human pathogens of interest. Moreover, the various ongoing studies and the diverse properties of neem discussed herein may serve as a guide for the discovery of new antimicrobials that may exist in other herbal panaceas across the globe.

Characterization and application of dried neem leaf powder as a bio-additive for salt less animal skin preservation for tanneries

Sodium chloride (NaCl) is commonly used as a curing/preservative agent for raw hides and skins in tanneries and is removed through a soaking process with total dissolved solids (TDS) and other organic pollutants in effluent, causing significant pollution load to the environment. Hence, the present study evaluated to apply dried neem leaf powder (DNL) as an additive to reduce the usage of salt in skin processing and preservation. To make certain of DNL antimicrobial properties, solvent extracts were performed against proteolytic bacteria isolated from raw skins. Initial characterization of DNL revealed the presence of bioactive compounds nimbolide and dehydro salannol and acetone extract with 16.9-mm, 10-mm and 8-mm zone of inhibition against Salmonella sp., E. coli sp. and Bacillus sp. identified using phenotypic conventional biochemical screening method. Further, skin curing experiments were carried out using four different treatments of DNL (10% 15%, 20% and 25% w/w) along with 15% w/w of conventional salt to obtain an optimum concentration for pilot-scale studies. Thus, the application of optimal DNL (15%) and salt (15%) resulted in no physical changes such as smell and hair slip and was taken for further studies for hydroxyproline activity, pollution load and organoleptic properties along compared with control 40% salt. DNL-aided salt less preservation of freshly flayed goat skins at ambient condition showed no hair slip or putrefaction during the preservation period with significant reduction of TDS (86%) and chloride (71%) in soak liquors compared to conventional salt preservation and enhanced organic load requiring additional treatment. However, the application of the organoleptic, physical and hydrothermal properties of resulting leathers produced from the DNL applied skins was on par with results of leather obtained from conventional salt. Thus, our results demonstrate DNL-aided salt less preservation method is able to reduce the amount of salt for preservation of goat skins significantly, leading to reduced salinity issues during leather processing.

Cytocompatibility Properties of an Herbal Compound Solution Support I n vitro Wound Healing

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytocompatibility of an herbal extract compound oral rinse [StellaLife VEGA (SLife)] against relevant human cellular models of oral surgical wound healing. SL was compared to the gold standard for peri-/post-operative oral surgical use, i.e., Chlorhexidine (CHX) and to a commonly utilized essential-oil (EO) based antiseptic rinse. Fibroblasts and primary oral stem cells of the apical papilla (SCAPs) were employed to assess its comparative cytotoxicity to the active comparator antiseptic rinses and its effects on wound healing in vitro. In cytotoxicity assays, multiple timepoints were tested ranging from clinically relevant of 60-s rinsing to protracted challenge of up to 5 min, to determine dose-dependent toxicity. The SLife group consistently demonstrated minimal cytotoxicity as compared to active comparators across experimental timepoints and different cells lines. At concentrations up to 20% v/v SLife-challenged fibroblasts and SCAPs demonstrated no significant toxicity as compared to unstimulated controls (p > 0.05). When assessing wound healing, a scratch wound assay revealed significantly accelerated cell migration for SLife as compared to CHX (p < 0.05). Notably, all active comparator antiseptic rinses affected wound healing responses by significantly reducing total collagen deposition after intermittent “rinsing” intervals that simulated post-surgical oral rinsing. Nonetheless, intermittent as well as continuous challenge of cells with SLife had a positive effect in functional collagen assays. An herbal extract compound-based oral rinse was found to be cytocompatible to cells critical to oral wound healing and to promote fibroblast migration and differentiation, contrary to existing antiseptic rinses that lack selective cytotoxicity.

Current herbal medicine as an alternative treatment in dentistry: In vitro, in vivo and clinical studies

Since the time that human population comprehended the importance of general health maintenance and the burden of disease, there has been a search for healing properties in the natural environment. Herbal medicine is the use of plants with medical properties for prevention and treatment of conditions that can affect general health. Recently, a growing interest has been observed toward the use of traditional herbal medicine alongside synthetic modern drugs. Around 80% of the population, especially in developing countries relies on it for healthcare. Oral healthcare is considered a major part of general health. According to the world health organization (WHO), oral health is considered an important part of general health and quality of life. The utilization of natural medications for the management of pathologic oro-dental conditions can be a logical alternative to pharmaceutical methods due to their availability, low costs, and lower side effects. The current literature review aimed at exploration of the variety and extent of herbal products application in oral health maintenance including different fields of oral healthcare such as dental caries, periodontal maintenance, microbial infections, oral cancers, and inflammatory conditions.

Peucedanum ostruthium Inhibits E-Selectin and VCAM-1 Expression in Endothelial Cells through Interference with NF-κB Signaling

Twenty natural remedies traditionally used against different inflammatory diseases were probed for their potential to suppress the expression of the inflammatory markers E-selectin and VCAM-1 in a model system of IL-1 stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). One third of the tested extracts showed in vitro inhibitory effects comparable to the positive control oxozeaenol, an inhibitor of TAK1. Among them, the extract derived from the roots and rhizomes of Peucedanum ostruthium (i.e., Radix Imperatoriae), also known as masterwort, showed a pronounced and dose-dependent inhibitory effect. Reporter gene analysis demonstrated that inhibition takes place on the transcriptional level and involves the transcription factor NF-κB. A more detailed analysis revealed that the P. ostruthium extract (PO) affected the phosphorylation, degradation, and resynthesis of IκBα, the activation of IKKs, and the nuclear translocation of the NF-κB subunit RelA. Strikingly, early effects on this pathway were less affected as compared to later ones, suggesting that PO may act on mechanism(s) that are downstream of nuclear translocation. As the majority of cognate NF-κB inhibitors affect upstream events such as IKK2, these findings could indicate the existence of targetable signaling events at later stages of NF-κB activation.

The effective and safe method for preventing and treating bacteria-induced dental diseases by herbal plants and a recombinant peptide

Background

This study was conducted aimed at evaluating the antibacterial property of the recombinant peptide of bacteriocin entrocin P (EnP), the essential oil of Cuminum cyminum, and the extract of Ferulago angulata on some oral pathogens. Besides, the cytotoxicity of EnP was evaluated.

Material and Methods

The antimicrobial property was tested on streptococcus mutans (ATCC 35668), streptococcus salivarius (ATCC 9222), streptococcus oralis (ATCC 35037), and Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), using the microbroth dilution method. The 0.2% Chlorhexidin (CHX) mouthwash was used as the control group. Besides, the cytotoxicity analysis was done on gingival fibroblasts by the MTT colorimetric method. The data were reported using descriptive methods, and analyzed by one-way ANOVA, and Tukey’s HSD test.

Results

The strongest bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects of C. cyminum and F. angulata were observed for S.mutans and S. oralis, respectively (with the MIC and MBC value being 62.5 μg/mL). The antibacterial properties of EnP were comparable to those of CHX, being several times stronger than medicinal plants (1-14 μg/mL). Based on the cytotoxicity evaluation, there was no statistically significant difference observed between the cytotoxicity of the control group and that of Enp for three evaluations, except after 72 hours when the cell viability at the concentration of 3.75 µg/ml was significantly lower than that of the control group (P=0.05). However, no concentration of EnP was observed to be over 50% of the growth inhibition (IC50) of the fibroblasts for the three evaluations.

Conclusions

EnP could be utilized in dental materials as a natural and safe antimicrobial agent against oral streptococci and E. faecalis, being as effective as CHX mouthwash.

Key words:Antimicrobial peptide, Bacteriocin Entrocin P, Chlorhexidine, Cuminum cyminum, Enterococcus faecalis, Ferulago angulata.

Azadirachta indica A. juss, Morinda citrifolia L. and Triphala as herbal endodontic irrigants: A scoping review

Background:

The success of the root canal treatment depends on the complete elimination of the microflora, biofilms and smear layer from the pulp space. A wide variety of chemical endodontic irrigants are available to achieve disinfection and thorough debridement besides mechanical means. However, detrimental properties such as allergic potential, cytotoxicity, antimicrobial resistance and safety concerns have intrigued researchers over the years to look for safer options.

Aim:

The review is aimed at providing comprehensive information of the studies evaluating the efficacy of Azadirachta indica A. juss (A. indica), Morinda citrifolia L. (M. citrifolia) and Triphala (fruits of Emblica officinalis Gaertn., Terminalia chebula (Gaertn.) Roxb. and Terminalia belerica Retz.) as herbal endodontic irrigants.

Materials and methods:

The literature review was conducted using indexed databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane) electronically for publications in peer-reviewed journals for relevant articles evaluating the efficacy of A. indica, Triphala, M. citrifolia as endodontic irrigant from the year 1985-March 2020.

Results:

A total of 58 studies were identified for full text reviewing after duplicate removal and screening title and abstracts. A total of 32 studies were included and processed for data extractions.

Conclusion:

Various in-vitro/in-vivo studies utilizing these herbal irrigants have documented promising results and hold the potential to replace chemical endodontic irrigants in routine practice but more preclinical and clinical trials are needed to substantiate these results before they can conclusively be recommended as intracanal irrigating solutions.

A comprehensive review of phytochemical profile, bioactives for pharmaceuticals, and pharmacological attributes of Azadirachta indica

Azadirachta indica L. is a multipurpose medicinal tree of family Meliaceae. It occurs in tropical and semitropical regions of the world. Different parts of this miraculous tree are used to treat pyrexia, headache, ulcer, respiratory disorders, cancer, diabetes, leprosy, malaria, dengue, chicken pox, and dermal complications. The tree is popular for its pharmacological attributes such as hypolipidemic, antifertility, microbicidal, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antipyretic, hypoglycemic, insecticidal, nematicidal, antiulcer, antioxidant, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and antileishmaniasis properties. A. indica is also rich in various phytochemicals for pharmaceuticals such as alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, terpenoids, fatty acids, and carbohydrates. The fungicidal potential of the tree is due to the presence of azadirachtin and nimbin. Herein, we have compiled a comprehensive review of phytochemical profile, pharmacological attributes, and therapeutic prospective of this multipurpose tree.