Antibacterial activity test of papaya seed extract (Carica papaya L.) as an irrigation agent against Prevotella intermedia

Uji daya hambat ekstrak biji pepaya (Carica papaya L.) sebagai bahan irigasi terhadap bakteri Prevotella intermedia

Abstract

Root canal infections are one of the main problems in endodontics, largely caused by Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria, like Prevotella intermedia, which is frequently found in necrotic pulp, periapical abscesses and chronic root canal infections. Root canal irrigation is essential for eliminating microorganisms; however, conventional agents such as sodium hypochlorite have several side effects, necessitating the use of safe and effective natural, one of which is pa-paya seed extract (Carica papaya L). This study investigated whether papaya seed extract, when used as an irrigant, can inhibit the growth of P.intermedia. This laboratory experimental study, employing a post-test control design, utilised samples of 5%, 20% and 30% papaya seed extract, alongside 2.5% sodium hypochlorite and distilled water as the control. The disc diffusion method was employed to assess inhibitory activity on Mueller-Hinton agar media inoculated with P.intermedia, with five replicates for each treatment. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and LSD post hoc tests. Pa-paya seed extract at all concentrations exhibited inhibitory activity against the growth of P.intermedia, the greatest was observed at the 15% concentration, followed by 10% and 5% (p<0.05). It is concluded that papaya seed extract effectively inhibits the growth of P.intermedia and has the potential to be used as an alternative irriga-gation agent in root canal treatment.