Ocimum extract

This research aimed to explore the positive impacts of Ocimum sanctum on Oreochromis niloticus against waterborne cadmium (Cd) toxicity. Total 180 fish (18.41 ± 0.11 g/fish) were distributed into six experimental groups, with three replicates per group, across 18 experimental tanks. Cadmium chloride (CdCl₂) was used at a concentration of 3 µg/L. Six treatment groups were: the negative control group, without any supplement or Cd exposure; the positive control group, which received no supplements but exposed to Cd; third group with 10 g/kg supplementation along with Cd 3 µg/L exposure; fourth group with 20 g/kg supplementation along with Cd 3 µg/L exposure; fifth group with 30 g/kg supplementation along with Cd 3 µg/L exposure; and sixth group with 40 g/kg supplementation along with Cd 3 µg/L exposure. The trial lasted for sixty days. Results revealed that waterborne Cd exposure adversely affect the fish growth, body composition, and hematological parameters. However, incorporating O. sanctum considerably increased fish survival and reduced the harmful impacts of Cd. Notably, supplementation at a rate of 30 g/kg improved growth, enhanced carcass quality, and restored blood indices. Ultimately, the results showed that heavy metal toxicity could be successfully mitigated in O. niloticus aquaculture by adding 30 g/kg of O. sanctum as a nutritional supplement. The present findings suggest that the potent bioactive compounds like eugenol and urosolic acid, exhibit antimicrobial, antioxidant, stress-reducing immunostimulant, and hepatoprotective properties in O. sanctum which improve growth, body composition, and hematological parameters while mitigating the effects of Cd toxicity in O. niloticus.

The success of pulpectomy depends on effective root canal disinfection and use of suitable obturating material which enhances the longevity of the procedure. To overcome detrimental properties of chemical obturating materials due to their allergic potential, cytotoxicity, antimicrobial resistance, and safety concerns, herbal derivatives have been introduced. Due to their biocompatibility, cost-effectiveness, low toxic effects, and antioxidant properties, herbal materials have recently been added to existing filling materials to enhance the efficacy of the procedure.

To compare and evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of three different herbal extracts in combination with calcium hydroxide as obturating materials in primary teeth.

The present study was conducted in 60 children of age group 4-10 years requiring multiple visit pulpectomy for their primary molars. Selected teeth were randomly divided into three groups: group I - calcium hydroxide with Ocimum sanctum, group II - calcium hydroxide with Curcuma longa, and group III - calcium hydroxide with Aloe barbadensis miller. Clinical and radiographic evaluation was done among the groups at intervals of 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months.

There was no significant difference in the clinical and radiographic success rate among the groups.

Among the three groups, calcium hydroxide with Ocimum sanctum group showed a higher success rate and that with Aloe barbadensis miller group showed the least success rate.

The combination of traditional medicine and technological advances has paved the way for more herbal medicine ingredients and established the next standard in pediatric endodontics. Herbal materials, being economical, were effective in enhancing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of chemical obturating materials.

Amudala N, Rachuri P, Martha S, et al. Comparative Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of Three Different Herbal Extracts in Combination with Calcium Hydroxide as Obturating Materials in Primary Teeth: An In Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2025;18(7):848-855.