Comparative evaluation of zinc oxide-eugenol and zinc oxide with Neem oil in root canal treatment of primary teeth: Split-mouth study with 12 months follow-up.

Background: Various root canal filling materials are used to preserve pulp tissue involved carious the primary tooth. A single material that fulfills all the requirements of an ideal root canal filling material for primary teeth is yet unavailable. Hence, this study was initiated to evaluate clinically and radiographically, the efficacy of two obturating materials - zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) and zinc oxide mixed with Neem oil (ZON) for 12 months. Aims: To assess the success rate of a mixture of zinc oxide and neem oil in comparison to zinc oxide-eugenol paste, as an obturating material in primary molars. To compare the efficacy of ZON as an obturating material at the various time interval of 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively. Materials and methods: This split-mouth, double-blind study was performed on 24 children aged 5-7 years, who presented with bilaterally infected primary molars. Total 48 infected primary molars were divided into two groups for pulpectomy followed by obturation with ZOE and ZON, respectively. Randomization with the chit-pick method, for the control and experimental drug, was performed. A follow-up for 12 months was performed. The Chi-square test was used for inter-group comparison and the Z test was used for the analysis of data over a period of time. Results: Overall clinical findings in this study revealed 91.7% results in ZOE compared with 100% results in the ZON group. The radiographical findings revealed 91.7% results in ZOE compared with 100% success in the ZON group. Conclusion: ZON demonstrated excellent effectiveness as an obturating material in the 12-month follow-up period as compared to ZOE in primary teeth. The efficacy elicited in this study could be a basis to recommend ZON as herbal alternative obturation material.

Variation in lycopene and lycopenoates, antioxidant capacity, and fruit quality of buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea [Pursh]Nutt.).

Buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea [Pursh] Nutt.) has historically been used as an important food source by North American indigenous peoples, but its commercial production has been limited. These plants produce fruits rich in carotenoid and phenolic antioxidants, which may have health benefits that may make buffaloberry commercially valuable. Here, we examined these constituents in the fruit of 7 Dakota-grown buffaloberry selections. Primary carotenoids were determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectral analysis and by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to be lycopene (0.27 ± 0.02 g/kg FW) and methyl apo-6'-lycopenoate (MA6L; 0.32 ± 0.03/kg FW). MA6L comprised the greatest proportion (55%) of carotenoid antioxidants, but its role in human nutrition is still to be evaluated. The fruit contained high total phenolics concentrations (9.06 ± 0.71 g gallic acid equivalents/kg FW). Hydrophilic antioxidant capacity among the 7 selections averaged 49.0 ± 6.6 mmol trolox equivalents/kg FW, respectively, as measured by ferric reducing ability of plasma assay. The soluble solids and titratable acids concentrations were 21% and 2.2%, respectively. This species is adapted to poor soils and can tolerate drier climates. In the Dakotas, buffaloberry flourishes on the American Indian Tribal Reservations, yielding copious amounts of health-beneficial fruit for fresh and processing markets, making it a potentially valuable new crop for marginal lands.