International Journal of Research & Review (www.ijrrjournal.com) 184 Vol.6; Issue: 8; August 2019 International Journal of Research and Review www.ijrrjournal.com E-ISSN: 2349-9788; P-ISSN: 2454-2237 Original Research Article Comparative Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity of Punica granatum, Acacia nilotica and Emblica officinalis against Enterococcus faecalis and Their Smear Layer Removal Ability When Used as Endodontic Irrigants: an In-Vitro Study Dr. Payal A Jain 1 , Dr. Sunil Tejaswi 2 , Dr. Parinitha M.S 2 , Dr. Suneeth Shetty 3 , Dr. Ambikathanaya U.K 3 , 1 Post Graduate Student, 2 Reader, 3 Lecturer, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, JSS Dental College and Hospital, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, JSS Medical Institutions Campus, Bannimantap, Sri Shivarathreeshwara Nagara, Mysuru - 570015, Karnataka, India. Corresponding Author: Dr. Payal A Jain ABSTRACT Context: Phytotherapeutic agents as alternatives for synthetic endodontic irrigants, due to the adverse effects of synthetic agents. Aims: Aim of this in -vitro study is evaluate and compare antibacterial activity against E.faecalis and smear layer removal efficacy of Punica granatum, Acacia nilotica and Emblica officinalis distilled water extracts. Methods and Material: Distilled water extracts of the three herbal products were prepared. Minimum inhibitory concentration was determined using Broth microdilution method. Agar well diffusion test was performed and zones of inhibition were measured to evaluate the antibacterial activity. Sixty human maxillary incisors were decoronated, divided into six groups (n=10). Group 1: 0.9% normal saline; Group 2: 1% sodium hypochlorite; Group 3: 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; Group 4: 6.25% Punica granatum; Group 5: 25% Acacia nilotica; Group 6: 12.5% Emblica officinalis solution. Teeth were split into two halves and observed under scanning electron microscope to analyse the amount of smear layer present. Results: Minimum inhibitory concentrations of Punica granatum, Acacia nilotica and Emblica officinalis were recorded as 6.25%, 25% and 12.5% respectively, with mean inhibition zones of 21mm, 18mm and 20mm. Group 4 showed least smear layer scores, followed by Group 6 and Group 3. Conclusions: Punica granatum and Emblica officinalis aqueous extracts showed effective antibacterial activity and smear layer removal efficacy in all parts of root canal. Keywords: Acacia nilotica; antibacterial activity; Emblica officinalis; Enterococcus faecalis; Punica granatum; smear layer. INTRODUCTION Endodontic infections are polymicrobial in nature. Enterococcus faecalis is commonly isolated from persistent endodontic infections, as it resists high pH and remains within the root canal for prolonged periods, because of its capacity to survive in nutrient deprived environment. [1] Successful endodontic treatment is dependent on removal of these microorganisms and the removal of smear layer which forms during instrumentation of canal; through a thorough chemo- mechanical preparation, using proper