Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Costus (Saussurea costus), also known as "kuth," is an aromatic medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Its use in the management of oral health issues, including gingivitis, is primarily rooted in traditional practices rather than robust scientific evidence. In traditional medicine, Costus is valued for its purported anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties, which are believed to help address symptoms of gingivitis such as gum inflammation and bleeding.

A few in vitro studies have demonstrated that extracts of Costus possess antimicrobial activity against certain oral pathogens, including Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis, both implicated in gingivitis and periodontal disease. However, these studies are preliminary and do not provide direct clinical evidence of efficacy in treating gingivitis in humans. There is a lack of well-designed clinical trials assessing the effectiveness and safety of Costus for gingivitis.

In summary, while Costus is traditionally used for oral health, including gingivitis, and has demonstrated some antimicrobial activity in laboratory studies, there is insufficient scientific evidence to conclusively support its use for this condition. Its application for gingivitis remains largely traditional, with an evidence rating of 2 out of 5 due to limited supportive laboratory data.

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