Cytotoxic Analysis of Various Root Canal Irrigants at Cellular Level

Aim: To evaluate and compare the cytotoxic effects of commercially available root canal irrigants sodium hypochlorite, chlorhexidine and a herbal extract, Morinda tinctoria.
Study Design: Concerned to the biological perspective, root canal irrigants must aid in the complete disinfection of the root canal and be biocompatible when come in contact with the vital periapical tissues. Hence the study was done to analyse the cytoxicity of different root canal irrigants at cellular level.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pedodontics and Preventive dentistry, GITAM dental college and hospital in collaboration with Chaitanya Medical centre, Visakhapatnam and Department of Oral Pathology, GITAM Dental college.
Methodology: Forty nine samples with 2 ml of RBC suspension were randomly assigned to seven groups. 100 µl each of 3% NaOCl, 2% CHX and 60 mg/ml concentration of Morinda tinctoria and their 1:1dilutions were tested on RBC suspension. Normal saline is selected as control. Peripheral smear was made to assess the morphological abnormalities of viable cells. After centrifugation of each test tube, the supernated volume is estimated for haemoglobin concentration representing cytotoxicity. The results obtained were subjected to statistical analysis.
Results: Cytotoxicity varies in the following order: 2% Chlorhexidine> 1:1dil CHX > 3% NaOCl > 1:1 dil. 3% NaOCl= 60 mg/ml M. tinctoria > 1:1 dil of 60 mg/ml M. tinctoria. Results showed that statistically significant difference exists between cytotoxicity of tested irrigating solutions.
Conclusion: Considering the undesirable effects of the conventional root canal irrigants and the global scenario with changing trends in search of non-toxic plant extracts, Morinda tinctoria could be an alternative root canal irrigant with least toxicity.