Comparative evaluation of Calotropis gigantea latex and sodium hypochlorite as tissue-dissolving agents – an in vitro study on concentration and time-dependent proficiency
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2340/biid.v13.45992Keywords:
Calotropis gigantea, tissue dissolution, sodium hypochlorite, endodontic irrigant, herbal extract, biocompatibilityAbstract
Background: Complete removal of organic tissue and microorganisms from the root canal system is essential for successful endodontic therapy. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) remains the gold standard irrigant for its tissue-dissolving and antimicrobial properties, but its cytotoxicity and adverse effects have encouraged exploration of safer herbal alternatives. Calotropis gigantea (milkweed) latex contains proteolytic enzymes such as calotropin and calotoxin, which may offer effective organic tissue dissolution with improved biocompatibility.
Aim: To evaluate and compare the tissue-dissolving potential of C. gigantea latex at two concentrations (5 and 10%) with 5.25% NaOCl at different exposure times.
Methodology: An in vitro experimental study was conducted on pulp tissues extracted from freshly removed human teeth (n = 30). Samples were equally divided into three groups: 5% C. gigantea latex, 10% C. gigantea latex, and 5.25% NaOCl. Tissue samples were immersed for 10 minutes and 15 minutes, and weight reduction was measured using an analytical balance. Data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s post hoc test with a significance level of p < 0.05.
Results: The mean initial tissue weights were comparable among groups (p = 0.656). After 10 minutes, significant differences in weight reduction were observed (p < 0.001). Tukey’s post hoc test showed that 10% C. gigantea latex dissolved significantly more tissue than both 5% latex and NaOCl (p < 0.001). After 15 minutes, this difference persisted (p < 0.001). The 10% latex achieved the highest mean weight loss at both intervals, while no significant difference was observed between 5% latex and NaOCl.
Conclusion: The 10% C. gigantea latex solution showed higher tissue-dissolving ability compared to 5.25% NaOCl under static in vitro conditions. Clinical applicability requires further evaluation of activation methods, cytotoxicity, dentin interaction, and antimicrobial efficacy.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Megavarnan Ravi, Praveena Annadurai, Ramlakhan Gupta
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Biomaterial Investigations in Dentistry is a Diamond Open Access peer-reviewed journal, publishing research in oral biomaterials science. The publishing of articles is free for authors, thanks to the support of Acta Odontologica Scandinavica Society (AOSS), a not-for-profit society. 
