Evidence supporting the use of: Oak Bark
For the body system: Gums

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

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

Oak bark (Quercus robur and related species) has a long history of traditional use in European herbal medicine, particularly for oral and gum health. The bark is rich in tannins, compounds known for their astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. Historically, oak bark decoctions and mouthwashes have been applied to gums to reduce inflammation, bleeding, and to promote tissue tightening. Several authoritative herbal texts from the 19th and early 20th centuries reference its use for gingivitis, mouth ulcers, and as a general oral rinse.

Scientific research on oak bark specifically for gum health is limited. While in vitro studies indicate that oak bark extracts possess antimicrobial and astringent effects, there are few, if any, clinical trials assessing its efficacy for gum diseases such as gingivitis or periodontitis. The evidence that does exist primarily supports its ability to inhibit bacterial growth and reduce inflammation, which are relevant to gum health, but this has not been robustly demonstrated in human studies.

In summary, the use of oak bark to support gum health is primarily justified by traditional usage rather than strong scientific validation. Its astringent and mild antimicrobial properties lend some plausibility to its traditional applications, but high-quality clinical research is lacking.

More about Oak Bark
More about Gums

Other ingredients that support Gums

cutch
Allspice
Aloe vera
anthocyanins
apple
bayberry
beeswax
myrobalan
betel
bilberry
bisabolol
blackberry
Indian frankincense
bovine gelatin
catechins
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
clove
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
turmeric
curcumin
flavonols
gelatin
goldenseal
goldenseal
gooseberry
gum ghatti
hesperidin
horsetail
hyaluronic acid
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus salivarius
lactoperoxidase
lemon
licorice root
mango
marshmallow
mastic gum
mixed carotenoids
omega-3 fatty acids
orange
oregon grape
phenolic compounds
pine bark
plantain
raspberry
rose hips
sage
slippery elm bark
triphala
vitamin C
vitamin K
white willow
xanthan gum
xylitol
zinc
yellow root
cardamom
capsicum
neem tree
pterocarpus marsupium
commiphora
yarrow
prickly ash
myrrh
zanthoxylum
polyphenols
menthol oil
shepherd's purse
white oak
herbal blend (proprietary)
melaleuca alternifolia
cayenne pepper
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Asiaticoside
Acacia
Agrimony
Allicin
Alchemilla
Aucubin
Ascophyllum nodosum
Areca
Agonandra
Agrimonia pilosa
Alkanna
Bee Propolis
Betony
Bai Ji
Balsam
Bistort
Baccharis dracunculifolia
Brazilian peppertree
Bloodroot
Benzoin
berry
Boswellia
Bletilla
Bioflavonoids
Bee products
Comfrey
Calendula
Carvacrol
Cinquefoil
Curcuminoid
Citrus
Cajuput
Canaigre
Catechu
Coca
Cistus
Curcuma
Cranesbill
Cyanthillium cinereum
Collinsonia
Casearia sylvestris
Calycophyllum
Drynaria
Dragon's Blood
Echinacea
Emblicanin
European-Five Finger Grass
Eugenol
Fiber
Flavonoids
Fluoride
Fructoborate
Flavanones
Fluorine
Fleabane
Flavans
Frankincense
Flavonones
Goldthread
Guava
Gambir
Garlic
Glechoma hederacea
Heliopsis
Honey
Heal-All
Henna
Indian Kinotree
Jaboticaba
Kigelia africana
Lady's Mantle
Lime
Lodhtree
Lysozyme
Lingonberry
Leptospermum scoparium
Leucoanthocyanidins
Massularia acuminata
Mineral ascorbate
Mallow
Mucilage
Malva sylvestris
Matico
Mahonia
Marigold
Marking Nut Tree
Manzanita
New Jersey Tea
Nasturtium
Nimbidin
Oak
Oleuropein
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins
Orris
Propolis
Pagoda Tree
Plantago
Procyanidol
Procyanidin
Pterospermum
Phosphate ascorbate
Proanthocyanidins
Pellitory
Persimmon
Punicalagins
Pacific Madrone
Pedra hume
Pycnogenol
Potentilla
Rubus
Rhus coraria
Rhus coriaria
Rosa californica
Rhus glabra
Sanicle
Spilanthes
Spanish Needle
Streptococcus oralis
Silverweed
Self-Heal
Sangre de Grado
Streptococcus salivarius
Slippery Elm
Sapindus mukorossi
Smoketree
Terminalia
Tannins
Tridax
Toothache Plant
Thymol
Tea Tree Oil
Ulmus
Vestitol
White Tea
Witch Hazel
Water Pepper
Yerba Mansa

Products containing Oak Bark

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.