Green Coffee Infusion: Potential Game-Changer in Root Canal Disinfection, Study Finds

The researchers note that irrigation is essential for effective root canal disinfection, but conventional agents like sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) pose concerns due to cytotoxicity and incomplete microbial elimination. This has led to exploring biocompatible alternatives, with green coffee emerging as a promising candidate. Rich in chlorogenic acid, caffeine, and polyphenols, green coffee exhibits antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce bacterial load and enhance healing. Its infusion in endodontic therapy offers a natural approach to combating infections while minimizing the drawbacks of traditional irrigants, potentially improving long-term treatment outcomes.

Against the above background, Tanya Chondamma, Departments of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics and Oral Pathology, Coorg Institute of Dental Sciences, Virajpet, Karnataka, India, and colleagues aimed to assess the effectiveness of intracanal irrigants derived from locally grown Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora (Robusta) varieties, both known for their antimicrobial properties.

For this purpose, the researchers prepared 70 extracted human single-rooted teeth and used a decoction method to obtain coffee extracts. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of these extracts were determined through microbroth dilution assays, and microbial growth was quantitatively assessed at specific time intervals.

The following were the key findings of the study:

• Green Robusta extracts showed antimicrobial effectiveness at lower concentrations of 25% and 12.5%.
• All coffee extract groups significantly reduced microbial counts compared to the negative control.
• Robusta extracts demonstrated superior antimicrobial efficacy among the tested groups.
• The 12.5% Green Robusta extract exhibited sustained antimicrobial activity, indicating its potential as an alternative to sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl).

In conclusion, the researchers highlight the promising potential of green Robusta coffee extracts in endodontic therapy. They emphasize the need for long-term studies to fully understand their reactivity after root canal irrigation. They suggest that the efficacy observed at lower concentrations may be attributed to deeper penetration and the rich chlorogenic acid (CGA) content, showcasing the multifaceted benefits of green Robusta coffee.

"This exploration at the intersection of science and nature paves the way for innovative treatment approaches, where coffee, beyond being a daily indulgence, may contribute to improved dental health and enhanced endodontic outcomes," the researchers wrote.

Reference:

Chondamma T, Cariappa PM, Ponnappa KC, Shashidara R. Green coffee infusion: An endodontic elixir. J Conserv Dent Endod 2024;27:1280-4.