A clinical study: melaleuca, manuka, calendula and green tea mouth rinse

Abstract

A novel mouthrinse (IND 61,164) containing essential oils and extracts from four plant species (Melaleuca alternifolia, Leptospermum scoparium, Calendula officinalis and Camellia sinensis) were tested. This study aimed to evaluate the safety, palatability and preliminary efficacy of the rinse. Fifteen subjects completed the Phase I safety study. Seventeen subjects completed the Phase II randomized placebo-controlled study. Plaque was collected, gingival and plaque indices were recorded (baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks). The relative abundance of two periodontal pathogens (Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Tanerella forsythensis) was determined utilizing digoxigenin-labeled DNA probes. ANCOVA was used at the p = 0.05 level of significance. Two subjects reported a minor adverse event. One subject withdrew from the study. Several subjects objected to the taste of the test rinse but continued treatment. Differences between gingival index, plaque index or relative abundance of either bacterial species did not reach statistical significance when comparing nine placebo subjects with eight test rinse subjects. Subjects exposed to the test rinse experienced no abnormal oral lesions, altered vital signs, changes in liver, kidney, or bone marrow function. Larger scale studies would be necessary to determine the efficacy and oral health benefits of the test rinse.

Effects of the medicinal plants Curcuma zedoaria and Camellia sinensis on halitosis control

“…Similar conclusions were obtained by Lauten et al, 21 by testing an herbal mouthwash with Camellia sinensis in its composition. Furthermore, among the micro-organisms sensitive to the plant extracts, only a limited number are VSC producers and frequently found in periodontal disease.…”

“…The plants were used in isolation, without the addition of other chemical or herbal substances, thus avoiding potential interactions such as synergy or antagonism. 21 Curcuma zedoaria is widely used and has a large margin of safety for human consumption. Ficker et al…”

Effects of <i>Caesalpinia sappan</i> on pathogenic bacteria causing dental caries and gingivitis

“…pathogenic bacteria and microbial dental plaque biofilm can prevent gingivitis and dental caries (8,9). However, these oral pathogens cannot be easily eliminated completely from oral cavity with common daily sanitation.…”

Functional foods/ingredients and periodontal diseases

“…Studies that could reveal whether the effects of polyphenols are topical or systemic are scarce. Two studies on local (oral) applications of polyphenols [17,21] have to conclude that green tea catechins and polyphenols might have a positive influence on the inflammatory reaction of periodontal structures, but larger scale studies would be necessary to determine the efficacy and oral health benefits of oral administration.…”