Biocompatibility and Antibacterial Potential of the Cinnamomum camphora cineoliferum (L.) J. Presl. and Melaleuca ericifolia Sm.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the potency of Cinnamomum camphora cineoliferum and Melaleuca ericifolia essential oils (EOs) against facultative and obligate anaerobes isolated from teeth’ infected root canals. Biocompatibility of the EOs was also in the study focus. Chemical composition of the EOs was determined by GC/MS analysis. Their antibacterial potential and cytotoxicity were evaluated by microdilution and MTT assays, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed by Student’s t-test and one way ANOVA. Two the most abundant constituents of C. camphora cineoliferum EO were 1,8-cineole and sabinene, while in M. ericifolia EO the dominant were linalool and 1,8-cineole. MICs achieved against all tested strains were in the ranges 0.95±0.50 - 22.50±0.00 mg/mL and 0.65±0.00 - 23.35±7.80 mg/mL for the C. camphora cioneoliferum and M. ericifolia EOs, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that response to both oils has not differed between facultative and obligate anaerobes. Sensitivity pattern of the tested strains was different for the EOs and the positive control triple antibiotic paste (TAP): while E. faecalis and certain strains of S. salivarius were among the most sensitive to the oils, they were the least susceptible to the conventional antimicrobial TAP. Although the observed cytotoxicity of the EOs after 30 min of cell exposition was high (50.78-66.35% and up to 70% for C. camphora cioneoliferum and M. ericifolia EOs, respectively) it was lower than that of positive control (1.5% NaOCl, p<0.05). To conclude, both EOs showed promising antibacterial potential and achieved at least the same or even better biocompatibility than the conventional intracanal antimicrobials. Obtained results strongly encourage future research with an aim to formulate C. camphora cioneoliferum and M. ericifolia EO- based irrigants and medicaments, that could be used in endodontic practice