ABSTRACT:
Objective: To evaluate the antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans and compressive strength of Rosmarinus officinalis L. modified glass ionomer cement with two different concentrations.
Methods: Rosmarinus officinalis L. leaves were macerated to prepare Rosmarinus officinalis L. extract then the rosemary powdered extract was weighted and added to Fuji IX GIC to prepare 2% and 4% rosemary modified glass ionomer. A total of sixty samples were prepared and divided into 3 groups Group1; glass ionomer (GI) as control group; Group 2; 2% rosemary modified glass ionomer (2% R + GI) and Group 3; 4% rosemary modified glass ionomer (4% R + GI). The antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans for each group were assessed by disc diffusion methods after 48 hours. Compressive strength test was done with a universal testing machine at the rate of 1mm/min. Data were tabulated and statistically analyzed using One-way ANOVA followed by post-hoc test.
Results:
Group 3 (4% R + GI) showed the statistically significant highest antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans and compressive strength mean values followed by group 2 (2% R + GI). However, the glass ionomer control group reported the lowest mean values.
Conclusion: Modification of glass ionomer cement with different concentrations of Rosmarinus officinalis L. enhances the antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans and compressive strength with superior performance for the higher concentration.