Melaleuca alternifoliaand its application against dental plaque and periodontal diseases: A systematic review

Abstract

This is a systematic review of clinical and laboratory studies evaluating the effect of Melaleuca alternifolia on periodontopathogens, dental plaque, gingivitis, periodontitis, and inflammatory responses. The PubMed, Cochrane, Web of science, Bireme, Lilacs, Prospero, Open Grey, and Clinical Trials databases were searched to identify potentially eligible studies through October 2016. Of 1,654 potentially eligible studies, 25 were included in the systematic review. Their methodology was evaluated through the Cochrane Handbook for clinical studies and the GRADE system for in vivo/in vitro studies. Although clinical studies must be interpreted with caution due to methodological limitations, laboratory studies have found promising results. In vitro evidences showed that M. alternifolia has bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects against the most prevalent periodontopathogens. Clinical studies found comparable effects to chlorhexidine 0.12% in reducing gingival inflammation, although the antiplaque effect was lower. M. alternifolia also showed antioxidant properties, which are beneficial to the host, allied to the reduction on immune-inflammatory responses to pathogens. This systematic review suggests that the M. alternifolia has potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can be easily applied to the periodontal tissues. However, further clinical trials are needed to elucidate the clinical relevance of its application.

Antibacterial Activities of Herbal Toothpastes Combined with Essential Oils against Streptococcus mutans

“…Several studies found that the M. alternifolia essential oil and its main components are effective against pathogenic flora. Due to its broad spectrum, a strong inhibition against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including A. actinomycetemcomitans , S. gordonii , and S. mutans , was found [92,93]. The antibacterial effect of Splat Organic may be due to its Aloe vera and papain content.…”

Beneficial Role of Antioxidant Secondary Metabolites from Medicinal Plants in Maintaining Oral Health

“…For chemical compounds such as cineol, terpinen-4-ol, terpinolene, cymene, limonene, sabinene, terpinene, pinene viridiorol, and globulol, their chemical compositions include mostly terpenic compounds [52]. Melaleuca alternifolia is used for periodontitis [54], bad breath, relief from bleeding gums and plaque [55]. The Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil is extracted from leaves and terminal branches by using the steam distillation method.…”

“…Result: Approximal plaque index (API)-Before treatment; 64.58 ± 22.38%. After treatment, 7 days-(49.00 ± 25.32%, p < 0.006) and after 28 days-(39.39 ± 20.60%, p < 0.0002) [53] Periodontitis [54], Relieve from bad breath, bleeding gums, and plaque [55] Acacia nilotica (Babul) India, Nepal, Pakistan, Arabian Peninsula, Africa, South Africa, Egypt [56] Hydrodistillation method and analyzed by GC-FID and GC/MS. Essential oil extracted from the bark, leaves [57] Menthol (34.9%), limonene (15.3%), α-Curcumene (6.9%) and carvacrol (4.1%) [57] In vitro (antibacterial) on Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus sanguinis, S. salivarius, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans.…”

Tea Tree Oil versus Chlorhexidine Mouthwash in Treatment of Gingivitis: A Pilot Randomized, Double Blinded Clinical Trial

“…By virtue of its properties, it is becoming more famous and is getting utilized in dermatology, oncology, and dentistry. [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] Eur J Dent 2020; 14:55-62 Tea Tree Oil in the Treatment of Gingivitis Ripari et al…”