Synopsis

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

Terminalia species, particularly Terminalia chebula and Terminalia bellirica, are traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine for oral health, including the management of gingivitis. These plants are key components of the Ayurvedic formulation "Triphala," which is often recommended as a mouthwash or dental powder to help prevent and treat gum disease. The rationale for their use is based on their documented antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties in traditional medical texts. Several small clinical studies and in vitro experiments have reported that extracts of Terminalia species can inhibit the growth of common oral pathogens associated with gingivitis, such as Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis. However, the overall quality and scale of these studies remain limited, with few large-scale, randomized controlled trials directly assessing their efficacy for gingivitis in humans. As a result, while there is a historical and preliminary scientific basis for the use of Terminalia in supporting gum health, the evidence is not robust enough to be considered scientifically validated by modern clinical standards. The primary justification for their use in gingivitis remains rooted in traditional practices, with supplementary support from early-stage scientific research.

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