The Journal
*Dr. Manas Shuklal
**Dr. Guneet Gogia
“Dentistry in the lap of nature":
Herbal remedies in Periodontal therapy - A Review
Periodontology is the branch of dentistry dealing with the attachment apparatus. Various modalities
of treatment including surgical and non-surgical means have been tried successfully in the treatment
of periodontal problems. But there is an alternate form of medicine which includes non-allopathic
treatment of periodontal problems.Out of these modalities, role of herbs has been studied extensively
and has been found to be of equal importance. Large majority of naturally occurring herbs are only
considered as food supplements because of the lack of randomized controlled clinical trials.
However, this isn't to say that herbal medicines have no future in the field of medicine. Aim of this
article is to review the existing literature and suggest the role of herbs in periodontics.
Introduction
Herbal medicines have been used for many
years. Their history can be rooted from ancient
civilization wherein their role as a primary
source of medication is evident. Although today
only a few of these many herbs have been
approved for their commendable medicinal
properties, a large majority of naturally
occurring herbs are only considered as food
supplements because of the lack of a
randomized controlled clinical trial. However,
this isn't to say that herbal medicines have no
future at all in the field of medicine. Currently
many studies are presently being conducted to
know these herbs in depth. Many are hopeful
about these natural substances for if ever
approved, they are going to be cost effective
with least adverse effects.
Various herbs used in Periodontal therapy
SANGUINARIA EXTRACT:
3
Sanguinaria extract
is a mixture of
benzophenanthridine alkaloids derived from
Sanguinaria Canadensis (bloodroot). The
bloodroot plant is a monotypic genus of the
family Papaveraceae.Both extracts from the
bloodroot plant and the rhizome itself have
been used medicinally by the Indians since the
days of John Smith, dating to 1612.
1
Vichkanovaet al reported the antifungal
properties for Sanguinarine. Simanek and
Lenfeld (1988) have reported the use of
Benzophenanthridine alkaloids as an anti-
inflammatory agent. Dzink and Socransky
(1990) 2 examined the effects of Sanguinarine on
oral microbial isolates using a chemically
defined medium. The minimum inhibitory
concentration (MIC) value for Sanguinarine
against these isolates ranged from 1-6
microgram/ ml. The minimum bactericidal
concentration (MBC) for Sanguinarine on the
majority of the isolates was within one-two fold
dilution. The anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial
and antifungal properties of the
benzophenanthridine alkaloids comprising
sanguinaria extract make it well suited to treat
plaque and gingivitis in the oral cavity. This use
requires optimizing the delivery of sanguinaria
extract to the oral cavity as well as assuring that
the biological activity of sanguinaria extract is
maintained. Southard et al (1984) 3 found that
Sanguinaria extract was retained preferentially
* Reader, Department of Periodontics, Rama Dental College, Hospital and Research Centre, Kanpur.
** Reader, Department of Periodontics, Rama Dental College, Hospital and Research Centre, Kanpur.
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Vol. 13
12 No. 1
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May-August
Sept-Dec 2017
Jan-April
2016
2016