Antimicrobial Activities of Medicinal Plant on the Oral Diseases

Abstract

Herbal therapy has long been used to treat and control human diseases including mouth diseases and disorders. Also, it can minimize the potential side effects of chemical drugs. However, may be a side effects appear from plants or herbs therapy. Most of the challenges with herbal therapy revolves around inadequate information about the effect of herbs in the mouth, the mechanism of action, and potential side effects. There are several  herbs and plants described in this paper that have anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-disorders and anti-inflammatory in oral cavity. It includes 31 medicinal plants and herbs: Alakata pepper, Aloe vera, Airy shaw, Banana plant, Bird eye view, Bitter leaves, Bush pepper, Camelina, Cashew nut, Castor, Cinnamon, Clove, Common coleus, Common wire weed, Cypress, Fennel, Garcinia, Garden eggplant, Garlic, Ginger, Holy basil, Maca, Mint, Mexican tea, Neem, Okra, Onion, Orange fruits, Purple coneflower, Sunset shrub and Turmeric that act as alternative  management option to current treatments  for oral conditions such as  caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, oral ulcers. In addition to, inflammation treatment after extraction, reduction dry mouth, pain, anesthesia, ill-fitting dentures. The current review of literature provides a summary of secondary metabolites most commonly used medicinal herbs and plants in maintaining oral health. They can be used in different forms such as mouthwashes, toothpastes, topical agents or local drug delivery devices. These findings show the role of antioxidant secondary metabolites in inhibiting the growth of oral pathogens and reducing oral diseases and mouth disorders.