Comparing Amla (Emblica Officinalis) and 3% Sodium Hypochlorite Against Enterococcus Faecalis in Root Canal Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial

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Conditions studied: Pulp Necrosis, Apical Periodontitis

In brief

Bacteria inside the root canal are a major cause of tooth infections. If they are not completely removed, the infection may continue even after root canal treatment. One bacterium, Enterococcus faecalis, is commonly found in persistent root canal infections. The goal of root canal treatment is to remove these bacteria and prevent the infection from returning. Along with cleaning the canal using dental instruments, dentists use disinfecting solutions (called irrigants) to kill remaining bacteria. The most commonly used irrigant is 3% sodium hypochlorite. Although it is effective at killing bacteria, it can irritate tissues, cause allergic reactions, has an unpleasant smell and taste, and may weaken the tooth. Because of these disadvantages, researchers are exploring safer natural alternatives. Amla (Emblica officinalis) is a medicinal plant known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties. This study aims to compare amla with 3% sodium hypochlorite to determine how well each reduces Enterococcus faecalis during root canal treatment and whether they produce similar clinical outcomes. The study will include 66 patients aged 14-50 years who require root canal treatment for an infected single-rooted front tooth. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one will receive 3% sodium hypochlorite, and the other will receive amla as the root canal irrigant. Bacterial samples will be collected before treatment, immediately after cleaning the canal, and one week later. The number of bacteria will be measured and compared between the two groups. The researchers will also assess pain, tenderness, and other signs of healing after treatment. The findings will help determine whether amla is a safe and effective natural alternative to the standard root canal irrigant.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07688005

Run by

Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore

People needed

66

Starts

2026-07-01

Expected to finish

2026-09-01

Last updated by the study team

2026-07-07

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 50. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Co-operative patients of both sexes aged between 18-50 years
• Patients belonging to ASA classification I and II (mild to moderate systemic disease).
• Permanent mature single-rooted and single canal teeth.
• Patients with pulp necrosis / apical periodontitis (primary endodontic infection with periapical radiolucency) will be included.
• Adequate crown structure.
• Probing level </= 3mm
• Patients not taking antibiotics for the last two weeks (pragmatic approach).

You may not qualify if…

• ●Patients with ASA Classification III, IV, V and VI or any other congenital disease.
• Patient with liver failure and patient on blood thinning medication will be excluded.
• Teeth with Multiple roots and canals.
• Teeth with calcified pulp chamber.
• Teeth with previous endodontic therapy performed.
• Aberrant anatomy.
• Teeth associated with vertical root fracture and coronal perforation.
• Patient taking antibiotics in the last two weeks.

Where it is running

• Punjab Dental Hospital, Lahore — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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