Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Zinc Oxide Eugenol (ZOE), Zinc Oxide Propolis (ZOP), Endoflas Eugenol (EE), and Endoflas Propolis (EP) against Enterococcus faecalis: A Comparative Study

Abstract

The use of obturating materials in endodontic treatment is to create a hermetic seal within the root canal system. Zinc Oxide Eugenol has been the standard for root canal sealers for many years, but its cytotoxicity has led to the search for alternative materials. Propolis, a natural resinous substance with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, has been suggested as an alternative to eugenol. This study aims to compare the antibacterial efficacy of obturating materials containing propolis and eugenol against Enterococcus faecalis. Methodology: Agar well-diffusion method was used to assess the antibacterial efficacy of four groups of obturating materials against Enterococcus faecalis: (1) Zinc Oxide + Eugenol, (2) Endoflas + Eugenol, (3) Zinc Oxide + Propolis, and (4) Endoflas + Propolis. The zone of inhibition was measured and colony forming units were determined using time kill assay. Results: The results of the study showed that the obturating materials containing propolis had a greater antibacterial effect against Enterococcus faecalis compared to the materials containing eugenol. Conclusion: The study concludes that the use of propolis as an obturating material in endodontic treatment may provide better antibacterial efficacy compared to eugenol-based materials. Further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical significance of the results.