Phytotherapy-A Drive towards Green and Clean Dentistry!

The term “Phytotherapy” refers to the direct or indirect treatment of disease through the use of plants and plant-derived products. Since the dawn of time, people have employed herbs as a type of traditional medicine. Natural remedies obtained from therapeutic plants have shown an abundant supply of biologically active ingredients, several of which have served as the inspiration for creation of novel molecules for different medications. A single herb exhibits multiple benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal activity, and its use in dental treatment proves to be an effective adjuvant. The applications of medicinal plants in endodontics are varied ranging from intracanal medicaments to irrigants and retreatment agents. Various synthetic chemicals play a significant role in disinfection in endodontics but also have undesirable properties such as allergic potential, increased microbial resistance, toxicity, safety concerns and bitter taste. Due to their widespread availability, low toxicity, and cost-effectiveness, herbal remedies are now being used more frequently as part of dental treatment and have experienced an exceptional surge in popularity in recent years. Therefore, this article aims to provide a comprehensive review of various phytochemicals and its endodontic applications, standardisation, possible side-effects and its benefits as an adjunctive therapy.