The role of herbal medicine in periodontal treatment: A systematic review

Periodontal disease is a prevalent oral health condition characterized by inflammation and infection of the supporting structures of the teeth, leading to tooth loss if left untreated. Conventional periodontal therapies, including mechanical debridement and antibiotic treatments, have limitations such as antimicrobial resistance and side effects, necessitating alternative approaches. Herbal medicine has gained increasing attention as a complementary or alternative treatment in periodontal therapy due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. This systematic review examines the role of medicinal herbs in periodontal treatment, highlighting their mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, and safety. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using major scientific databases to identify studies evaluating herbal interventions in periodontal care. The findings suggest that several herbal agents, including green tea, aloe vera, turmeric, neem, clove, and tea tree oil, exhibit promising effects in reducing plaque accumulation, gingival inflammation, and microbial load. Many of these natural remedies demonstrate comparable or superior outcomes to conventional treatments while presenting fewer side effects. However, variability in study designs, dosages, and formulations underscores the need for standardized clinical trials to validate their therapeutic potential. Integrating herbal medicine into periodontal therapy could enhance treatment outcomes and provide a natural, cost-effective alternative for managing periodontal disease. Future research should focus on long-term clinical trials, optimized formulations, and combination therapies to establish herbal medicine as a reliable adjunct in periodontal care.