Green coffee infusion: An endodontic elixir.

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Microbiology
• Phytochemistry

Background:

• Traditional root canal irrigants like sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) have limitations including cytotoxicity and incomplete microbial eradication.
• Phytochemicals from plants, such as coffee, possess antimicrobial properties and are explored as alternatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of intracanal irrigants derived from locally cultivated *Coffea arabica* and *Coffea canephora* (Robusta) varieties.
• To assess the antimicrobial attributes of coffee extracts as potential endodontic irrigants.

Main Methods:

• Seventy extracted human single-rooted teeth were used.
• Coffee extracts were prepared via decoction; minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined using microbroth dilution assays.
• Microbial growth was quantitatively assessed over time.

Main Results:

• Green Robusta extracts demonstrated antimicrobial effectiveness at 25% and 12.5% concentrations.
• All coffee extract groups significantly reduced microbial counts compared to the negative control.
• The 12.5% green Robusta extract showed sustained antimicrobial efficacy.

Conclusions:

• Coffee extracts, especially from Robusta, present a novel approach for endodontic therapy.
• These findings suggest coffee extracts as a potentially effective and safer alternative to NaOCl.
• Utilization of coffee extracts may enhance dental health outcomes in endodontic treatments.