The efficacy of pineapple juice for tissue dissolution
Research type
Research Study
Full title
To assess the efficacy of pineapple juice extract (bromelain) as a root canal irrigant in the dissolution of both organic and inorganic tissue
IRAS ID
199196
Contact name
David Blaen
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Chester
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 30 days
Research summary
The aims of root canal treatment are to render and maintain the root canal system free of microorganisms, toxins and organic tissues. These are achieved through mechanical instrumentation and chemical disinfection. Mechanical instruments however, do not overcome the complex anatomy of the root canal system and consequently, dentists rely heavily on irrigants for disinfection.
Dentists tend to use at least two or more irrigants such as: sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX), for root canal disinfection to overcome the limitations of using a single irrigant. However, the mixing of irrigants can hinder their individual efficacy, as it may lead to the production of unfavourable by-products.
Current medical research suggests the numerous health benefits of pineapple juice extract/bromelain (PJE) in a variety of health conditions. PJE is of particular interest to plastic surgeons due to its ability to reduce inflammation, pain and swelling.
With these beneficial properties of PJE and with the endodontic fraternity still in search for the ideal irrigant; research to determine whether PJE as an endodontic irrigant is justified. The dissolution ability of PJE on both organic and inorganic tissue will determine whether PJE could be the ideal root canal irrigant.
The study will be carried out on bovine meat samples and extracted human teeth to simulate both organic and inorganic substances as present in the root canal system.
Samples will be weighed before and after submerging each sample in respective solutions and results will be recorded and statistically analyzed in order to assess whether dissolution has occurred.
The teeth will be collected from patients who need to have an extraction. Participants will not have any further involvement in the research.
The study will be carried out in the researchers dental practice.
REC name
North East - York Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NE/0225
Date of REC Opinion
4 Jul 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion