Efficacy of a commercially available multi-herbal formulation in periodontal therapy

OBJECTIVE: This prospective clinical trial was designed to evaluate the clinical effects of a commercially available powder (Periocare(®) Gum massage powder), containing various herbal medicaments, in the reduction of plaque and gingival inflammation in subjects diagnosed with gingivitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five subjects diagnosed with chronic generalized gingivitis were selected and randomly divided into the following three groups: Group I - Scaling + Periocare(®) Gum Massage powder, Group II - Periocare(®) Gum Massage powder alone, and Group III - Scaling only. Clinical evaluation was done at baseline, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 6 weeks using gingival index, plaque index, and microbiological culturing of plaque samples. RESULTS: Periocare(®) Gum Massage (multi-herbal formulation) powder as an adjunct to mechanical therapy (scaling) showed significant clinical and microbiological improvement in the gingival index and plaque index scores as compared to other groups. Periocare(®) Gum Massage powder as a monotherapy did not prove to be effective for plaque control. CONCLUSION: Periocare(®) Gum Massage may be a useful herbal formulation for chemical plaque control and improvement in plaque scores and gingival status.