A simple, selective, sensitive and precise high performance thin layer chromatographic technique was followed to determine the diversity within two cytotypes of P. angulata. Fruit, stem, leaf and root samples extracted in n-hexane were used to quantify phenols and phytosterols and methanolic extracts for triterpinoids. The amounts of phytochemical differ in both the cytotypes of the same species.

Disinfection and shaping of the canal with a combination of chemical agents and endodontic instruments play important roles in the success of endodontic therapy. Root canal irrigants aid in achieving disinfection in canal systems inaccessible to biomechanical preparation. A wide variety of synthetic irrigants are available today but some may be ineffective, and there may be safety concerns and side effects. Herbal alternatives may be advantageous. To evaluate the antibacterial properties of herbal extracts, namely turmeric and triphala as irrigants during endodontic treatment in comparison with the conventional irrigating solutions. Agar well diffusion assay and MIC methods were used to determine the efficacy of the experimental irrigant in removing E. faecalis. The difference between groups was statistically analysed. 2% chlorhexidine showed the highest zone of inhibition against E. faecalis followed by triphala. There was no significant difference between triphala and turmeric but triphala showed more inhibition effect against E. faecalis because of chelating properties. Chlorhexidine has significant antimicrobial efficacy against E. faecalis. Considerable reduction in growth of E. faecalis was seen in the herbal extract groups and considering their non-toxic nature and other physiological benefits, further studies are warranted. Herbal irrigants, E. faecalis, chlorhexidine. The goal of endodontic therapy is the removal of all vital or necrotic tissue, microorganisms, and microbial by-products from the root canal system. This may be achieved through chemo-mechanical debridement of the root canal. 1 The complex nature of the root canal complex and the presence of many inaccessible areas requires a combination of mechanical instrumentation and irrigation to decrease the amount of bacteria/microorganisms in the system. 2 E. faecalis is an enteric facultative gram positive bacterium which can grow independently in the root canal. 2 It is the most commonly isolated species from the root canals of the teeth, especially those with failed endodontic treatment. 3,4