Enuresis nocturna

Allantoin is incorporated in the betaine–allantoin (Xeros Dentaid) saliva substitute mouthwash clinically validated for xerostomia. A randomized controlled trial (n=51) found this formulation was comparable to 1% malic acid spray in significantly improving dry mouth sensation and oral health-related quality of life in drug-induced and idiopathic xerostomia.

Multiple clinical trials have evaluated aloe vera for xerostomia. A triple-blind RCT in 105 diabetic patients (Badooei et al., 2021) found that a 20 mL aloe vera mouthwash used three times daily for 14 days significantly reduced all xerostomia symptoms compared to saline. A separate triple-blind RCT in ICU patients found an aloe vera/peppermint gel (Veramin) significantly reduced mouth dryness and improved oral health.

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) combined with linseed extract was evaluated in a double-blind RCT of 74 elderly xerostomia patients, showing significant improvements in dry mouth, thick saliva, and swallowing difficulty versus carboxymethylcellulose control. Chamomile mouthwash has also provided oral mucositis relief in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.

Coconut oil was evaluated in a primary feasibility study for radiation-induced xerostomia at Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, demonstrating feasibility and subjective dry mouth relief. A crossover RCT in Sjögren's syndrome patients compared coconut oil to aloe vera and found both effective for dry mouth management. Coconut oil's lubricating fatty acids coat oral mucosal surfaces.

EGCG, the principal active catechin in green tea, is the key constituent in MighTeaFlow, a clinically validated xerostomia formula. Research at the Dental College of Georgia found EGCG may partially restore salivary gland function and delay progression of salivary gland dysfunction through molecular and cellular mechanisms in gland acinar cells.

Linseed (flaxseed) extract Salinum® was compared to sodium carboxymethyl cellulose in a crossover study of 20 radiation-induced xerostomia patients, with both providing beneficial dry mouth symptom relief. A subsequent double-blind RCT confirmed a chamomile-linseed combination significantly improved dry mouth, thick saliva, and swallowing difficulty versus carboxymethylcellulose in 74 elderly patients.

Ginger has been clinically evaluated as a sialagogue for xerostomia. A triple-blind RCT in 105 diabetic patients showed ginger mouthwash (20 mL, 3× daily for 14 days) produced the most pronounced reduction in xerostomia symptoms compared to aloe vera and saline. Its mechanism involves parasympathetic stimulation via muscarinic M3 receptors.

Korean red ginseng (KRG) has been evaluated in a double-blind RCT (n=100) for dry mouth. While the overall population showed no significant benefit, subgroup analysis found KRG significantly improved dry mouth VAS in menopausal women (ages 40–59) at 4 and 8 weeks. TCM also uses American and Asian ginseng to nourish yin and restore fluid generation in dry mouth.

Green tea catechins, particularly EGCG, were evaluated in a double-blind placebo-controlled Phase II RCT (MighTeaFlow formula, 60 xerostomia patients) and found to significantly improve stimulated whole salivary flow rate versus placebo. Preclinical research suggests EGCG may delay salivary gland dysfunction and partially restore salivary gland function through molecular mechanisms.

Thyme honey oral rinse was evaluated in a single-blind RCT of 28 geriatric ESRD patients with xerostomia, significantly improving subjective and objective dry mouth scores, salivary flow rate, and salivary pH versus saline. A 2025 BMC Oral Health RCT demonstrated Manuka honey rinse significantly improved xerostomia, salivary flow, and quality of life in elderly adults.

Multiple clinical trials have evaluated LPO-containing oral hygiene products (toothpastes, mouthwashes, gels) for xerostomia relief. Products mimicking the natural salivary antimicrobial system improved subjective dry mouth symptoms and some clinical signs in elderly and medicated patients. Tenovuo (2002) reviewed evidence for use of salivary antimicrobial proteins including LPO in xerostomia management, noting their incorporation into oral care products to restore saliva's antimicrobial capacity.

Fermented lingonberry juice (FLJ) has been identified in a 2025 Inflammopharmacology peer-reviewed review as a natural agent that enhances salivary pH and stimulates salivation, positioning it as a candidate therapeutic for xerostomia management. Lingonberry's organic acids and polyphenols are proposed to activate gustatory receptors and support salivary gland function.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) have been shown in Sjögren's syndrome animal models to promote salivation, stimulate salivary flow, and reduce inflammatory responses in salivary gland tissue. The 2025 Inflammopharmacology review positions LBP as a viable treatment option for xerostomia. In TCM, Lycium (Gou Qi Zi) is used to nourish yin and restore oral moisture.

Lycopene combined with virgin olive oil in spray form was tested in a double-blind RCT of 60 elderly patients with drug-induced xerostomia over 12 weeks. The treatment group showed significant improvement in specific Xerostomia Inventory domains. Lycopene's proposed role is antioxidant protection of oral mucosal and salivary gland tissues.

Malva sylvestris, a mucilaginous plant used in traditional Persian medicine for dry mouth, was evaluated in a randomized clinical trial of 62 head and neck cancer patients. The herbal compound (with Alcea digitata) significantly reduced xerostomia grade versus artificial saliva (Hypozalix), and a follow-up RCT showed improved quality of life in radiation-induced xerostomia patients.

Animal (porcine gastric) mucin is used in saliva substitute formulations such as Saliva Orthana for xerostomia. An objective tribological study found mucin-containing substitutes were among only a few biopolymers outperforming water in oral lubrication by adsorbing to the salivary conditioning film, closely mimicking native salivary mucin boundary lubrication.

Lycopene-enriched virgin olive oil spray was evaluated in a double-blind RCT of 60 elderly patients with drug-induced xerostomia over 12 weeks. The treatment group showed significant improvements in speaking difficulty, perceived saliva amount, and lip dryness on the Xerostomia Inventory, though resting salivary flow rate did not change. Olive oil's lubricating fatty acid composition provides oral coating.

Promoting fluid secretion and relieving dry mouth is one of the most ancient and consistently documented uses of ophiopogon root across TCM, Kampo, and the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Preclinical research shows polysaccharides possess preventive effects in a Sjögren's syndrome animal model — the autoimmune condition causing pathological dry mouth. The Japanese Pharmacopoeia (16th edition) lists dry mouth-related indications.

Peppermint essential oil (3%) combined with aloe vera jelly in Veramin moisturizing gel was tested in a triple-blind RCT of 80 ICU patients with xerostomia. The gel significantly reduced mouth dryness, prevented dental plaque formation, and improved oral health versus placebo. Peppermint's cooling receptor (TRPM8) stimulation may also mask dry mouth perception.

Yohimbine has clinical evidence supporting its use as a sialogogue (saliva stimulant), particularly for drug-induced xerostomia. Placebo-controlled trials demonstrate it significantly increases salivary secretion in healthy volunteers and in patients on psychotropic drugs. It works by blocking α2-adrenoceptors on salivary gland nerve pathways and by activating cholinergic mechanisms.

Adenophora (Sha-Shen in TCM) is classified as a fluid-generating, yin-nourishing herb in traditional Chinese medicine prescribed for dry mouth, dry throat, and thirst. A 2022 Fortunejournals clinical management review lists Sha-Shen among the herbs used for radiation-induced xerostomia, commonly paired with Ophiopogon in TCM fluid-generating formulas.

Astragalus (Huang-Qi in TCM) is among the most commonly prescribed herbs in TCM formulas for radiation-induced xerostomia and salivary gland recovery, as documented in a 2022 Fortunejournals clinical management review. TCM formulas containing Astragalus have been evaluated in RCTs for xerostomia in cancer patients and shown potential benefits for improving salivary function.

Ophiopogon japonicus (Mai-Dong in TCM) is a core yin-nourishing herb in traditional Chinese medicine prescribed specifically to generate fluids and relieve dry mouth. It appears in classical formulas for Sjögren's syndrome dry mouth and in a Chinese herbal mix evaluated in clinical reviews as effective for dry mouth in cancer patients.

Prickly ash has long been classified as a sialagogue — an agent that promotes saliva production — in traditional North American herbalism. Historical sources describe 'remarkable sialagogue properties, inducing a copious flow of saliva.' This action is attributed to the intense sensory stimulation of oral mucosa triggering reflex salivary secretion, making it a traditional remedy for xerostomia. No clinical human trials confirm this effect.

Rehmannia glutinosa (Sheng-Di-Huang in TCM) is the principal herb in classical yin-nourishing formulas used for dry mouth. It is the primary component of Yukmijihwang-tang, evaluated in a registered double-blind placebo-controlled RCT for xerostomia, and is listed as a core prescription herb for Sjögren's syndrome dry mouth treatment in TCM clinical reviews.