Tree extract-containing mouthwash helps fight off periodontal disease

Using a mouthwash containing Sambucus williamsii var. coreana extract helps preserve periodontal health by preventing the development and progression of periodontal disease, a recent study has found.

The researchers conducted a randomized controlled clinical trial enrolling 64 participants, half of whom were given the tree extract-containing mouthwash while the other half received a saline placebo. Dental outcomes were measured using the O’Leary index, plaque index (PI), and gingival index (GI). A microbiological analysis was also performed.

After 5 days, participants who were given the extract-based mouthwash showed significantly improved dental health. O’Leary index scores dropped from a mean of 50.50 at baseline to 23.00 during treatment and 17.10 after 5 days (p=0.000).

In contrast, those who took the saline control showed no such pattern, with mean scores dropping only slightly from 50.82 at baseline to 48.50 and 40.29 during treatment and 5 days after, respectively (p=0.099).

A similar significant effect was reported for PI. Those in the mouthwash group saw a significant decline in scores, from 1.93 at baseline to 0.44 at 5 days after treatment (p=0.000). GI was likewise significantly improved (1.01 at baseline to 0.32 at 5 days; p=0.000). In both cases, placebo controls demonstrated no such improvements (PI: p=0.120; GI: p=0.083).

“Based on this study verifying the practicality and development of oral healthcare products using S. williamsii var. coreana extract, a mouthwash containing S. williamsii var. coreana extract can inhibit and prevent periodontal disease,” the researchers said. “As a natural ingredient with sufficiently excellent effects, S. williamsii var. coreana extract can be used for oral health by improving periodontal disease.”