Antibacterial Activity of Cymbopogon citratus Extract Against Post-Endodontic Bacteria: A Disc Diffusion Study

Authors

  • Rina Permatasari Department of Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Prof. Dr. Moestopo (B), Jakarta, Indonesia
  • Nasywa Khabiza Zauhayr Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Prof. Dr. Moestopo (B), Jakarta, Indonesia
  • Syarla Feonisa Alzena Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Prof. Dr. Moestopo (B), Jakarta, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46862/interdental.v22i2.14311

Keywords:

Antibacterial activity, Cymbopogon citratus, Enterococcus faecalis, root canal treatment, Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract

Introduction: Root canal treatment failure is frequently associated with persistent microbial infection, particularly by Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus. Sodium hypochlorite remains the gold standard irrigant; however, its cytotoxicity has encouraged the exploration of herbal alternatives. Cymbopogon citratus contains bioactive compounds with potential antibacterial properties.

Material and Methods: This laboratory experimental study evaluated the antibacterial activity of Cymbopogon citratus extract at concentrations of 10%, 20%, and 30% against E. faecalis ATCC 29212 and S. aureus ATCC 29213 using the disc diffusion method. Sodium hypochlorite 2.5% was used as the positive control and 96% ethanol as the negative control. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post hoc test.

Results and Discussion: The highest inhibition zone for E. faecalis was observed at 20% concentration (1.63 ± 0.48 mm), while for S. aureus, the highest value was found at 10% concentration (2.06 ± 1.15 mm). No statistically significant differences were found among extract concentrations (p>0.05), whereas sodium hypochlorite demonstrated significantly higher antibacterial activity (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Cymbopogon citratus extract demonstrated weak antibacterial activity and was not comparable to sodium hypochlorite. Its potential as an alternative root canal irrigant requires further optimization and validation.

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Published

2026-08-12

How to Cite

1.
Permatasari R, Zauhayr NK, Alzena SF. Antibacterial Activity of Cymbopogon citratus Extract Against Post-Endodontic Bacteria: A Disc Diffusion Study. interdental [Internet]. 2026 Aug. 12 [cited 2026 Aug. 13];22(2):316-21. Available from: https://e-journal.unmas.ac.id/index.php/interdental/article/view/14311

Issue

Vol. 22 No. 2 (2026): Interdental Jurnal Kedokteran Gigi (IJKG)

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Rina Permatasari, Nasywa Khabiza Zauhayr, Syarla Feonisa Alzena

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