IMPACT OF QUERCETIN AS AN ENDODONTIC IRRIGANT ON THE MICROHARDNESS AND FLEXURAL STRENGTH OF RADICULAR DENTIN – AN IN VITRO STUDY

Background:Successful root canal therapy relies on effective irrigation protocols that disinfect while
preserving dentin integrity. Conventional irrigants such as sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and EthyleneDiamine-Tetraacetic-Acid (EDTA) are effective but compromise dentin microhardness and mechanical
properties. Quercetin, a plant-based natural flavonoid, has antimicrobial and collagen-stabilizing effects,
making it a potential biocompatible alternative for Synthetic ones. Hence, the present in-vitro study was carried
out to evaluate the effect of quercetin as an endodontic irrigant on the microhardness and flexural strength of
radicular dentin in comparison with NaOCl and EDTA.
Materials and Methods:Forty eight extracted human anterior teeth were prepared into dentin specimens and
randomly assigned to four groups: Group A (saline), Group B (3% NaOCl with 17% EDTA), Group C (5%
NaOCl with 17% EDTA), and Group D (6.5% quercetin). Microhardness was measured using a Vickers
hardness tester (VHN- Vickers Hardness Number), and flexural strength was evaluated using a three-point
bending test (MPa). Data were analyzed using ANOVA, paired t-tests, and Tukey’s Honestly Significant
Difference (HSD) test at significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: Quercetin irrigation (Group D) significantly increased dentin microhardness (61.09 ± 3.38 VHN) and
flexural strength (95.23 ± 1.53 MPa) compared to other groups (p < 0.001). NaOCl with EDTA, particularly
at 5%, caused the greatest reduction in both parameters.
Conclusion: Quercetin showed superior preservation and reinforcement of dentin mechanical properties
compared to conventional irrigants, highlighting its potential as a safe and effective endodontic irrigant.