Herbal Antimicrobial Strategies in Oral Health
Summary
Herbal antimicrobial strategies harness plant-derived compounds to prevent and treat infections of the oral cavity. Many traditional cultures employ extracts rich in flavonoids, polyphenols and alkaloids to inhibit the growth of cariogenic and periodontopathogenic bacteria, reduce biofilm formation and moderate inflammation. Recent advances in phytochemistry and analytical techniques have enabled the isolation and characterisation of active constituents from species such as Cistus × incanus, Scutellaria lateriflora, Theobroma cacao and various medicinal herbs. These agents may act synergistically with conventional antimicrobials, offering alternative or adjunctive options to chlorhexidine and antibiotics while mitigating side effects and resistance. Global interest in natural, cost-effective oral care formulations is driving translational research, from in vitro assays and simulated digestion models through to pilot clinical evaluations of herbal toothpastes, mouthwashes and gels. By integrating traditional knowledge with rigorous scientific validation, herbal interventions present a promising frontier in preventive and therapeutic dentistry.
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Herbal Antimicrobial Strategies in Oral Health publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in herbal antimicrobial strategies in oral health across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Biofilm: A structured community of microorganisms encapsulated within a self-produced extracellular matrix adherent to a surface.
Phytochemical: A biologically active compound produced by plants, often contributing to antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory or antioxidant effects.
Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC): The lowest concentration of an antimicrobial agent that prevents visible growth of a microorganism in vitro.
Synergy: A combined effect of two or more agents that exceeds the sum of their individual effects.
References
- Herbal remedies for oral and dental health: a comprehensive review of their multifaceted mechanisms including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant pathways. Inflammopharmacology (2025).
- Biological Properties and Antimicrobial Potential of Cocoa and Its Effects on Systemic and Oral Health. Nutrients (2023).
- In Vitro Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Properties and Bioaccessibility after Oral Digestion of Chemically Characterized Extracts Obtained from Cistus × incanus L., Scutellaria lateriflora L., and Their Combination. Foods (2023).
- Green Alternatives as Antimicrobial Agents in Mitigating Periodontal Diseases: A Narrative Review. Microorganisms (2023).
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