Phytodentistry: use of medicinal plants

Abstract

Finding healing powers in plants is an ancient idea. Herbs have been used as a traditional form of medicine since time immemorial. The natural products derived from medicinal plants have proven to be an abundant source of biologically active compounds, many of which have been the basis for the development of new chemicals for pharmaceuticals. Phytodentistry implies the use of plants and their products in the process of treating disease directly or indirectly. A crucial role is played by phytotherapy in the treatment of stomatological problems. It started with the use of miswak (chewing stick), and it is still relevant today as herbal toothpaste in many parts of the country. India is the largest producer of medicinal herbs and is appropriately called the botanical garden of the world. The use of this readily available, natural and safe resource as a part of dental practice has great potential for a more "Natural and Green Dental Practice". Plant products have long been used in dentistry as part of various dental materials right from impression materials to eugenol, which forms an integral part of the dental clinic. The use of herbs in dental practice is not limited to only material sciences. A single herb shows a variety of effects like anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal activity and many more. Hence the incorporation of these herbs in dental practice will prove to be a valuable adjunct in dental treatment. This review is aimed at exploring the perspectives of this holistic treatment approach in dentistry and its benefits as an adjunctive therapy.

Members of the Oral Microbiota Are Associated with IL-8 Release by Gingival Epithelial Cells in Healthy Individuals

“…Considering the latter, the presence of plant extracts in toothpaste showed an effect on basal IL-8 release ( Table 3 ). This is in accordance with literature, as many medicinal plants that are used in toothpastes are anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal or astringent (Hotwani et al, 2014). The present analysis found a positive correlation of white and red wine consumption with basal IL-8 levels, and a significant difference between non-white wine drinkers and white wine drinkers ( Tables 2 , 3 ).…”

Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) and α-mangostin inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by inducing autophagy

“…According to the WHO, more than 75% of the world's population employs plants as a form of health care [40,41]. In fact, there are 350 described species of plants used around the world for the treatment of TB, including L. tridentata [8,15].…”

Dentifrice Containing Extract of Rosmarinus officinalis Linn.: An Antimicrobial Evaluation

“…Indeed, studies on this topic have intensified the last ten years (1). Aromatic and medicinal plants can be used to cure human and other animal diseases, so natural compounds derived from plants should be investigated in order to obtain a better understanding of their properties as well as the safety and efficiency of their clinical use (2). Medicinal plants such as Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) (3), Camelia sinensis (green tea), Hipericum perforatum (St. John's wort), Urtica dioica (nettle) (4), Cynara cornigera (wild artichoke) (5), Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), Solanum xanthocarpum (yellow-fruit nightshade) and Adhatoda vasica (Malabar nut) (6) have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties.…”