Evidence supporting the use of: Carvacrol
For the body system: Gums

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Carvacrol is a monoterpenoid phenol found primarily in oregano oil, and it has attracted scientific interest for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties relevant to oral health. Several in vitro studies have demonstrated that carvacrol exhibits strong antibacterial activity against oral pathogens such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus mutans, both of which are implicated in the development of gingivitis and periodontal disease. Additionally, carvacrol has been shown to inhibit biofilm formation, which is a key factor in the persistence of pathogenic bacteria on gum tissues. Some animal studies and limited clinical investigations suggest that mouth rinses containing carvacrol or oregano oil can reduce gum inflammation and bacterial load, although large-scale, high-quality clinical trials are still lacking.

The anti-inflammatory effects of carvacrol are thought to be mediated through the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibition of cyclooxygenase pathways, which may contribute to reduced gum swelling and bleeding. While these findings provide a plausible mechanism and some preliminary evidence supporting the use of carvacrol for gum health, the overall quality and quantity of human evidence is moderate. Thus, while carvacrol is used in some oral care products and natural remedies, more rigorous clinical trials are needed to fully validate its efficacy in supporting gum health.

More about Carvacrol
More about Gums

Products containing Carvacrol

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.