Abstract:
Introduction: A root canal disinfectant should be antimicrobial agent effective in eliminating and prohibiting microorganism growth with no toxicity towards periradicular tissues. Rhizophora mucronata bark extracts have been found in previous studies to exhibit antibacterial activity.
Objectives: This study aims to determine the cytotoxicity of Rhizophora mucronata bark extracts as an intracanal medicament.
Method: Gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs) were exposed to the Rhizophora mucronata bark extracts at different concentrations of 0.5% (Group 1), 1% (Group 2), 2.5% (Group 3), 5% (Group 4), 10% (Group 5), and 20% (Group 6) to assess its cytotoxic effect. In addition, there were two control groups; one containing only the culture medium while another only with the cells. Cell viability was assessed by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol- 2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. This was done by adding MTT solution into each well after 3 minutes and then incubating them for 4 hours. Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) was then added to each well and shaken to mix. The absorbance was then measured on an ELISA plate reader with a reference wavelength of 630 nm. The extract at that said concentration is identified to be non-toxic if the cell viability is ≥ 50 %. Results: There was significant difference in cell viability of the GMSCs at various concentrations of the extract. The highest cell viability was found in group of cells which was treated with 1% concentration of Rhizopora Mucronata extract, while the with 10% concentration Rhizopora Mucronata significantly reduced the cell viability to the lowest among all groups. Conclusion: Rhizophora mucronata bark extracts at concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, 2.5%, and 5% can be used safely as endodontic intracanal medicament.
