EFFECTIVENESS OF COMPOSED HERBAL EXTRACT IN THE TREATMENT OF GINGIVITIS AND ORAL AND PHARYNGEAL MUCOSA – REVIEW OF STUDIES

Abstract

Intensive studies on properties of synthetic compounds are simultaneously conducted with studies on the effectiveness and safety of drugs derived from natural compounds. These drugs have been effectively used for years in dentistry, in treatment of inflammatory conditions of the oral cavity and in laryngology, in treatment of pharyngeal inflammatory conditions. The subject of this article is a compilation of studies conducted on medicinal products containing composed ethanolic extract as an active substance, and obtained from: chamomile capitulum (Matricaria recutita L.), oak bark (Quercus spp.), sage leaf (Salvia officinalis L.), arnica herb (Arnica spp.), calamus rhizome (Acorus calamus L.), peppermint herb (Mentha piperita L.), thyme herb (Thymus spp.) Preclinical studies confirmed that a particular tested plant extract exhibits antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal and antiprotozoal) as well as anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and astringent properties. Under clinical conditions, it was confirmed that drugs containing the analysed extract used in periodontology, in prevention and complex treatment of gingivitis, periodontitis as well as diseases of oral mucosa (but also the throat) of viral, bacterial, fungal and protozoal aetiology significantly improved the effectiveness of therapy, shortened the treatment and improved the patients’ quality of life. The above preparations used in dental surgery contributed to faster tissue regeneration, more quickly relieved pain and swelling after a surgery or difficult dentition. Furthermore, drugs containing the above-mentioned extract can also be successfully used for oral cavity decontamination in the case of various diseases of teeth or the oral and pharyngeal mucosa. The tested composed herbal extract (CHE), applied in the form of a mouthwash and in the form for topical application with benzocaine content (CHEB), is a component of drugs which are great alternatives to widely used synthetic drugs. They are characterised with high effectiveness, comparable to that of synthetic agents, and a higher safety profile. Results of pharmacological and clinical studies justify their use in both prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases of the gums, periodontium, oral cavity and pharynx.