Potential of Red Dragon Fruit Peel Extract (Hylocereus polyrhizus) as a Natural Irrigant for Root Canal Smear Layer Removal: A Narrative Review

Shanaz Zahra Wibowo¹, Athallah Achmad Zaki¹, Yuliati², Indah Listiana Kriswandini², Indeswati Diyatri², Muhammad Luthfi², Anis Irmawati²

Abstract

Smear layer is a layer of organic and inorganic debris that forms on the root canal walls during mechanical instrumentation in root canal treatment. This layer can prevent irrigation solutions from penetrating properly and affect the adaptation of root canal filling materials. Conventional irrigation solutions, such as sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), have several limitations, including toxicity, tissue irritation, changes in the mechanical properties of dentin, and differences in their ability to remove smear layer components. These limitations have led to the search for natural irrigation alternatives that may offer better biocompatibility and help improve root canal cleaning. Red dragon fruit peel extract (Hylocereus polyrhizus) contains bioactive compounds, such as saponins and tannins, which have antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Therefore, it has the potential to be developed as a natural root canal irrigant. This narrative review aims to examine the potential of red dragon fruit peel extract as a natural irrigant for removing the smear layer from root canals. The literature review focuses on its potential to remove the smear layer by examining the phytochemical content and biological activities of the extract. The available literature shows that red dragon fruit peel extract has activity against several microorganisms associated with root canal infections. However, research on its effectiveness in removing the smear layer is still limited. Further studies are therefore needed to evaluate its smear layer removal effectiveness, optimal concentration, mechanism of action, and biocompatibility before it can be considered for use as a natural root canal irrigant.

Keywords

red dragon fruit peel extract; Hylocereus polyrhizus; root canal irrigation; saponins; smear layer

Cite This Article

Wibowo, S. Z., Zaki, A. A., Yuliati, Kriswandini, I. L., Diyatri, I., Luthfi, M., Irmawati, A. (2026). Potential of Red Dragon Fruit Peel Extract (Hylocereus polyrhizus) as a Natural Irrigant for Root Canal Smear Layer Removal: A Narrative Review. International Journal of Scientific Advances (IJSCIA), Volume 7| Issue 6: Nov – Dec 2026, Pages 896-902. URL: https://www.ijscia.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/Volume7-Issue6-Nov-Dec-No.1111-896-902.pdf

Volume 7 | Issue 6: Nov – Dec 2026