Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Onion (Allium cepa) has been used in various traditional medicine systems for its purported antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. In several cultures, including those practicing Ayurveda and traditional folk medicine, onion has been applied topically or chewed to alleviate oral conditions such as gingivitis and mouth sores. The rationale behind its use is largely anecdotal, based on the observation that onion’s sulfur-containing compounds, such as allicin, exhibit antibacterial activity against a range of microorganisms. This has led to the belief that onion may help in controlling the bacterial plaque responsible for gingivitis. However, direct scientific studies specifically investigating the efficacy of onion in treating or preventing gingivitis in humans are scarce. While some laboratory studies have demonstrated that onion extracts can inhibit oral pathogens in vitro, there is a lack of robust clinical trials demonstrating its effectiveness in a real-world dental context. Most evidence remains preliminary, and onion is not recognized as a standard treatment for gingivitis by dental associations. Therefore, while the use of onion for gingivitis is rooted in traditional practices and supported by limited in vitro data, strong scientific validation is lacking, and its actual effectiveness for this condition remains unproven.

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