Author(s):
Mythri Padaru, Raksha Bhat, Preethesh Shetty
Email(s):
preethesh_shetty@yahoo.co.in , mythri.pbhat@gmail.com , rkshabhat@gmail.com
DOI:
10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00392 
Address:
Mythri Padaru, Raksha Bhat, Preethesh Shetty
Nitte (Deemed to be University), A.B Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences (ABSMIDS), Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Derlakatte, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India – 575018.
*Corresponding Author
Published In:
Volume - 19,
Issue - 6,
Year - 2026
ABSTRACT:
Background: Microorganisms persist in the root canal system due to biofilm development, despite the fact that chemo-mechanical root canal preparation helps reduce endodontic infection. As a result, it is recommended to employ intracanal medications during the intervals between appointments to reduce the bacterial load. Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) is commonly utilized due to its biological and antibacterial characteristics. Despite its excellent properties, Ca(OH)2 is not very effective against Enterococcus faecalis, a bacterium that is often isolated from teeth following root canal therapy failure. Naturally occurring phytochemicals are less cytotoxic in addition to being anti-bacterial, making them a good alternative as an intracanal medicament. Alstonia scholaris is recognized for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and, analgesic properties, while Ficus racemosa has been pharmacologically researched for its anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and antibacterial attributes. Aim: The objective of this study is to evaluate the depth of penetration of Alstonia scholaris and Ficus racemosa in comparison to calcium hydroxide intracanal medicament. Materials and methods: Thirty-six single-rooted human mandibular premolar teeth were extracted and crowns decoronated. Subsequently, they underwent instrumentation with K-files, followed by biomechanical preparation. The samples were then randomly allocated into three groups: Group I received calcium hydroxide (CH), Group II was treated with Alstonia scholaris (AS), and Group III received Ficus racemosa (FR). The medicaments were mixed with a 0.1 wt% fluorescent Rhodamine B dye in a 1:1 ratio and placed into the root canal. Results: The in vitro study showed that AS and FR had penetration depths comparable to CH, with no statistically significant differences between groups. Group II (AS) showed the greatest penetration, followed by Group I (CH). Conclusion: Alstonia scholaris and Ficus racemosa have a depth of penetration comparable to Calcium hydroxide intracanal medicament. Further studies need to be undertaken to assess their efficacy as intracanal medicaments.
Cite this article:
Mythri Padaru, Raksha Bhat, Preethesh Shetty. Assessment of Depth of Penetration of Alstonia scholaris and Ficus racemosa for Endodontic Therapy - An In vitro Study. Research Journal Pharmacy and Technology. 2026;19(6):2744-0. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00392
Cite(Electronic):
Mythri Padaru, Raksha Bhat, Preethesh Shetty. Assessment of Depth of Penetration of Alstonia scholaris and Ficus racemosa for Endodontic Therapy - An In vitro Study. Research Journal Pharmacy and Technology. 2026;19(6):2744-0. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00392 Available on: https://rjptonline.org/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2026-19-6-49
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