Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Myrobalan, known botanically as Terminalia chebula and also referred to as "Haritaki," has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic and Unani medicine, especially for oral health and supporting the teeth. In these systems, myrobalan is a key component of formulations such as "Triphala," which is commonly used as a mouthwash or tooth powder. Traditional texts suggest that myrobalan helps manage dental caries, gum inflammation, and oral ulcers due to its purported antimicrobial, astringent, and healing properties.

While there is a rich tradition endorsing its benefit for oral health, scientific validation remains limited. Some in vitro and small-scale studies indicate that extracts of Terminalia chebula possess antimicrobial activity against common oral pathogens, including Streptococcus mutans, which is a major cause of dental caries. Additionally, its astringent properties may contribute to gum health by reducing inflammation and bleeding. However, conclusive clinical trials in humans are lacking, and most available studies are preliminary or conducted in laboratory settings rather than in vivo.

Therefore, the use of myrobalan for supporting the teeth is primarily justified by tradition, with some early scientific evidence that suggests potential benefits, but not enough to be considered strongly validated by modern standards.

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