Short-term clinical effects of commercially available gel containing Acacia arabica: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND

Certain plants used in folk medicine serve as a source of therapeutic agent by having antimicrobial and other multi-potential effects. This prospective, randomized, placebo and positively controlled clinical trial was designed to evaluate the short-term clinical effects of a commercially available gel containing Acacia arabica in the reduction of plaque and gingival inflammation in subjects with gingivitis.

METHODS

Ninety subjects diagnosed with chronic generalized gingivitis were selected and randomly divided into three groups: Group I - placebo gel, Group II - gumtone gel and Group III - 1% chlorhexidine gel. Clinical evaluation was undertaken using the gingival index of Loe and Silness and the plaque index at baseline, 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 6 weeks. A subjective evaluation was undertaken by questionnaire.

RESULTS

Gumtone gel showed significant clinical improvement in gingival and plaque index scores as compared to a placebo gel. This improvement was comparable to 1% chlorhexidine gel. Unlike chlorhexidine gel, gumtone gel was not associated with any discolouration of teeth or unpleasant taste.

CONCLUSIONS

Gumtone gel may be a useful herbal formulation for chemical plaque control agent and improvement in plaque and gingival status.