Potencial antimicrobiano de fitoterápicos na irrigação e medicação intracanal: revisão de literatura

Abstract

Endodontic treatment aims to eliminate microorganisms in the root canal, treating inflammation and preventing reinfection, usually of polymicrobial origin, involving bacteria and fungi (Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans). In this process, irrigators and intracanal medications are used to promote tissue disinfection and repair. Since the earliest civilizations, herbal medicines have been used in the treatment of various diseases. In dentistry, there has been a growing interest in the use of these substances in different specialties, including endodontics, where herbal medicines are used in both irrigation and intracanal medication. The present study is a literature review in which the databases PubMed Central (PMC), Virtual Health Library of Dentistry (BVSO), Cochrane Library and Scielo were consulted, considering the period from 2009 to 2018. Inclusion criteria: articles written in the Portuguese and English, in vitro and clinical studies focusing on the antimicrobial potential of herbal medicines used in medication or intracanal irrigation. Exclusion criteria were: studies using phytotherapics associated with substances already consecrated in the literature (such as calcium hydroxide, sodium hypochlorite, EDTA and chlorhexidine), literature reviews and animal studies. The study showed that several phytotherapics used in irrigation and intracanal medication showed a high antibacterial and antifungal potential (besides biocompatibility to the periodontal tissues), especially propolis (Apis melífera L.) and ginger (Zingiber officinale).