Pentacyclic triterpenoids are a class of naturally occurring plant compounds found in several medicinal plants, notably Centella asiatica, Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), and Terminalia chebula. Several studies have investigated their potential role in oral health, particularly in the management of gingivitis, due to their well-established anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities.

Scientific evidence supporting their use in gingivitis centers on both in vitro and limited clinical studies. For instance, asiaticoside and madecassoside (from Centella asiatica) have demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects on gingival fibroblasts and inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Similarly, glycyrrhizinic acid (from licorice) has shown antimicrobial activity against major oral pathogens implicated in gingivitis, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus mutans.

Clinical studies, though limited in number and scale, have reported reduced gingival inflammation and improved clinical parameters (e.g., bleeding on probing, gingival index) following the use of mouthwashes or gels containing pentacyclic triterpenoid-rich extracts. However, most trials are small, sometimes lack placebo controls, and are often conducted with multi-herbal formulations, making it difficult to attribute effects solely to pentacyclic triterpenoids.

In summary, while there is a growing body of preclinical and early clinical evidence suggesting benefit, the overall quality and quantity of clinical evidence is moderate, and further well-designed, large-scale studies are needed for conclusive recommendations.