Evidence supporting the use of: Flavanols (various)
For the health condition: Gingivitis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Flavanols, a class of polyphenolic compounds found in foods such as cocoa, tea, apples, and berries, have been investigated for their potential benefits in oral health, including the management of gingivitis. Scientific studies suggest that flavanols possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, which are relevant to the pathophysiology of gingivitis—a gum disease characterized by inflammation and microbial plaque accumulation.
Several in vitro studies have demonstrated that flavanols can inhibit the growth of key oral pathogens, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus mutans. Human clinical studies, though limited in number and sample size, have provided preliminary evidence that flavanol-rich products (notably green tea and cocoa-based rinses or chewing gums) can reduce gingival bleeding, plaque accumulation, and markers of inflammation compared to placebo or standard care. Systematic reviews support a modest but significant benefit, particularly for green tea catechins, in improving gingival health when used adjunctively with mechanical plaque control.
While the evidence is promising, it is not yet robust enough to warrant a strong recommendation for flavanols as a standalone or primary treatment for gingivitis. Most guidelines still prioritize mechanical debridement and traditional chemical agents (such as chlorhexidine). Thus, the scientific evidence supporting flavanols in gingivitis is emerging but remains moderate (rated 3/5), meriting further large-scale, high-quality clinical trials.
Other ingredients used for Gingivitis
ajoenealoe vera
anthocyanins
basil
myrobalan
betel
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium longum
bio ecolian (proprietary)
bisabolol
black garlic
black pepper
black walnut
blackberry
Indian frankincense
bromelain
cat's claw
catechins
chamomile
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
coating
coconut milk
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
flavonols
ginger
goldenseal
gooseberry
gotu kola
grape
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus lactis
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus salivarius
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lemon
licorice root
microbial enzymes (proprietary)
monolaurin
moringa
mustard seed
orange
oregano
oregon grape
parsley
peppermint oil
phellodendron amurense
quercetin
raspberry
rutin
sage
schizonepeta
slippery elm bark
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
streptococcus thermophilus
triphala
vitamin C
vitamin E
xylitol
zinc
bentonite
typhonium
Indian bael
ferula assafoetida
commiphora
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
bee pollen
peony
myrrh
sweet flag
morinda
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
polyphenols
trace minerals
fulvic acid
menthol oil
aster root
paw paw
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
enzymes blend (proprietary)
cayenne pepper
geranium
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Alpha-terpineol
Ardisia
acacia
Allicin
Anamu
Ajuga
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
anthocyanidins
Acemannan
Ananain
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arani
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Broussonetia
Blepharis
Balsam
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bee hive
Banyan
Bioflavonoids
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Bacteria
Blue-Green Alage
Bacillus
benzyl isothiocyanate
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Caryophyllene
Calendula
Cinnamomum
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Chlorophyllin
coconut oil
Carvacrol
Cajuput
Centella asiatica
Centipeda
Cistus
Corktree
Costus
Carthamus
Copaiba Oil
Celosia
Dianthus
Dichrostachys glomerata
Ellagic Acid
Empresstree
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Eugenol
Flavonones
Garlic
Galangal
Mustard
Mallow
Metal Salt
Sumac
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by flavanols (various)
Alzheimer's DiseaseArteriosclerosis
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Congestive Heart Failure
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Digestion (poor)
Fatigue
Free Radical Damage
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Hypertension
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Memory and Brain Function
Osteoporosis
Peripheral Neuropathy
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Skin Care (general)
Stress
Triglycerides (high)
Varicose Veins
Wrinkles