Evaluation of an Experimental Gel Containing Euclea natalensis: An In Vitro Study

Abstract EN

To evaluate the effect of an experimental gel containing Euclea natalensis extract on dentin permeability.

Methods.

Thirty-six dentin discs, 1-mm-thick.

The discs were prepared from the coronal dentin of extracted human third molars that were divided into 3 groups (n=10).

The dentin discs in each group were treated with the groups following experimental materials: (FG): 1.23% fluoride gel, pH 4.1; (EG): Euclea natalensis extract gel, pH 4.1; (CG): control gel, pH 4.1.

The gels were applied to the occlusal slide of the dentin under the following conditions: after 37% phosphoric acid and before 6% citric acid.

The hydraulic conductance (HC) of each condition was determined four times using a fluid flow apparatus (Flodec).

The data were analyzed using Two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (P<0.05).

Results.

The greatest mean reduction in HC was produced in group EG dentin discs (61.2%; P<0.05).

Even after acid challenge with 6% citric acid the great reduction occurred in group EG (66.0%; P<0.05) than other groups (CG-77.1%, FG-90.8%).

Conclusion.

E.

natalensis gel not only reduced dentin permeability, but also resisted posttreatment citric acid challenge without changing its permeability.

Further research has to confirm this promising result in the clinical situation.