Formulation and antimicrobial assessment of intracanal medicament containing oregano essential oil

In the present study antimicrobial property of intracanal medicament (ICM) containing oregano essential oil (OEO) were assessed. Intracanal medicament containing oregano essential oil were prepared at two concentrations of 25% (F1) and 50% (F2). Minimum inhibitory activity of the essential oil against bacteria and fungi were assessed by microbroth dilution method. Antimicrobial activity of the formulations and standards were tested against Prevotella. Intermedia, Enterococcus fecalis and Candida albicans by well diffusion method. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of ciprofloxacin and OEO against P. intermedia, showed 0.25ug/ml and 25ug/ml; against E. fecalis were 0.5ug/ml and 25ug/ml respectively. MIC of itraconazole and OEO against C. albicans were 6.25ug/ml and 12.5ug.ml, respectively. Antimicrobial activity of ICM containing 25% (F1) and 50% (F2) concentration of OEO was assessed. Inhibitory activity of F1 and F2 showed lesser zone of inhibition against both P. intermedia and E. fecalis as compared to standard. F1 showed 26mm and F2 showed 22mm of zone of inhibition against C.albicans, which is lesser than standard, 30mm. In case of E.fecalis F1 showed 24mm and F2 showed 16mm of zone of inhibition in comparison to the zone of inhibition of standard 30mm. For the inhibitory activity against P.intermedia, F1 showed 24mm and F2 showed 13mm with standard 35mm zone of inhibition. The study reveals that F1 is more effective in eliminating secondary infections that are caused by C. albicans during endodontic treatment. F1 and F2 can also be used to treat infections caused by E. fecalis and P.intermedia with lesser action compared to standard.