Effectiveness of Herbal Medicines with Anti-Inflammatory, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Properties in Improving Oral Health and Treating Gingivitis and Periodontitis: A Systematic Review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #gingivitis #anti-inflammatory-agents #antioxidants #periodontitis

Effectiveness of Herbal Medicines with Anti-Inflammatory, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Properties in Improving Oral Health and Treating Gingivitis and Periodontitis: A Systematic Review

Malcangi et al., 2025 | Nutrients | Systematic Review

Citation

Malcangi Giuseppina, Inchingolo Angelo Michele, ... Dipalma Gianna. Effectiveness of Herbal Medicines with Anti-Inflammatory, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Properties in Improving Oral Health and Treating Gingivitis and Periodontitis: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2025-Feb-21;17(5). doi:10.3390/nu17050762

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review investigates the effectiveness of natural extracts with anti-inflammatory properties for improving oral health, particularly in managing gingivitis and periodontal disease (PD). With PD being a major global health issue, exacerbated by microbial dysbiosis and oxidative stress, the integration of phytochemicals and herbal formulations into periodontal therapy offers a promising avenue for adjunctive treatments. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines and registered under the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (ID: 641944). Databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, were searched between 18-24 December 2024, using Boolean keywords combining terms such as "herbal medicine", "plant extracts", "anti-inflammatory", and "periodontal therapy". Studies involving animal models, in vitro data, or non-peer-reviewed articles were excluded. RESULTS: Seventeen studies met inclusion criteria. Polyherbal formulations and single-component extracts (e.g., Camellia sinensis, Punica granatum, Zingiber officinale, and Rosmarinus officinalis) demonstrated comparable efficacy to conventional agents like chlorhexidine (CHX). Polyherbal rinses, camellia sinensis gels, and extracts like Punica granatum reduced inflammation, improved gingival health, and showed antimicrobial properties, offering effective natural alternatives. CONCLUSIONS: Natural products, including single extracts and polyherbal formulations, provide effective and safe alternatives for managing gingivitis and PD. Their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties support their adjunctive role alongside with scaling and root planning therapy (SRP) in periodontal therapy. However, further large-scale, long-term studies are needed to standardize formulations and establish optimal protocols.

Key Findings

Seventeen studies met inclusion criteria. Polyherbal formulations and single-component extracts (e.g., Camellia sinensis, Punica granatum, Zingiber officinale, and Rosmarinus officinalis) demonstrated comparable efficacy to conventional agents like chlorhexidine (CHX). Polyherbal rinses, camellia sinensis gels, and extracts like Punica granatum reduced inflammation, improved gingival health, and showed antimicrobial properties, offering effective natural alternatives.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Gingivitis
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Periodontitis
  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Plant Extracts
  • Oral Health
  • Animals
  • Phytotherapy
  • Plants, Medicinal
  • Herbal Medicine
  • Treatment Outcome

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: ginger

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09