Synopsis

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

Portulaca, commonly known as purslane, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Asia and the Middle East. In the context of oral health and gingivitis, the use of portulaca is primarily justified by traditional practices rather than robust scientific validation. Traditional healers have used portulaca extracts and leaves for their purported anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties, which are thought to be beneficial in managing gum inflammation and oral sores. Some ethnobotanical surveys and small-scale studies have documented the usage of portulaca in mouthwashes or as a chewable herb for maintaining oral hygiene and alleviating symptoms of gingivitis. However, clinical studies specifically evaluating portulaca’s efficacy in treating gingivitis are limited, with most available data coming from in vitro or animal studies. These studies sometimes indicate that portulaca extracts possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects against oral pathogens and models of inflammation. Despite these preliminary findings, there is a lack of high-quality, large-scale randomized clinical trials in humans assessing the direct impact of portulaca on gingivitis. Therefore, while traditional use suggests potential benefits, scientific support is currently insufficient to recommend portulaca as a primary treatment for gingivitis.

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