Evidence supporting the use of: Phenolics (unspecified)
For the body system: Gums
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Phenolics are a broad class of plant compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids, that are found in various herbs and foods. Their use for supporting gum (periodontal) health is primarily rooted in traditional and historical practices. For centuries, plant extracts rich in phenolics—such as green tea, cloves, and certain fruits—have been applied in folk medicine for oral hygiene and the management of gum discomfort due to their perceived antimicrobial and astringent properties. For example, tannin-rich teas and herbal rinses have been used as mouthwashes to reduce gum inflammation and bleeding. However, while modern studies have investigated specific phenolic compounds (like catechins in green tea) for their potential to reduce oral bacteria and inflammation, evidence for "phenolics (unspecified)" as a general category is limited. Most clinical research focuses on isolated compounds or standardized extracts rather than the broad, unspecified group of all phenolics. Therefore, the use of unspecified phenolics to support gum health is best justified by traditional uses, with only modest scientific support for specific, well-characterized phenolics. Overall, the evidence is suggestive but not robust when referring to the whole class generically.
Other ingredients that support Gums
cutchallspice
aloe vera
anthocyanins
apple
bayberry
beeswax
myrobalan
betel
bilberry
bisabolol
blackberry
Indian frankincense
bovine gelatin
catechins
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
clove
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
turmeric
curcumin
flavonols
gelatin
goldenseal
goldenseal
gooseberry
gum ghatti
hesperidin
horsetail
hyaluronic acid
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus salivarius
lactoperoxidase
lemon
licorice root
mango
marshmallow
mastic gum
mixed carotenoids
omega-3 fatty acids
orange
oregon grape
phenolic acids
pine bark
plantain
raspberry
rose hips
sage
slippery elm bark
triphala
vitamin C
vitamin K
white willow
xanthan gum
xylitol
zinc
yellow root
cardamom
capsicum
neem tree
pterocarpus marsupium
commiphora
yarrow
prickly ash
myrrh
zanthoxylum
polyphenols
menthol oil
shepherd's purse
white oak
herbal blend (proprietary)
melaleuca alternifolia
cayenne pepper
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Asiaticoside
acacia
Agrimony
Allicin
Alchemilla
Aucubin
Ascophyllum nodosum
Areca
Agonandra
Agrimonia pilosa
Alkanna
Bee Propolis
Betony
Bai Ji
Balsam
Bistort
Baccharis dracunculifolia
Brazillian peppertree
Bloodroot
Benzoin
berry
Boswellia
Bletilla
Bioflavonoids
Bee products
Comfrey
Calendula
Carvacrol
Cinquefoil
Curcuminoid
Citrus
Cajuput
Canaigre
Catechu
Coca
Cistus
Curcuma
Cranesbill
Cyanthillium cinereum
Collinsonia
Casearia sylvestris
Calycophyllum
Drynaria
Dragon's Blood
Echinacea
Emblicanin
European-Five Finger Grass
Eugenol
Fiber
Flavonoids
Fluoride
Fluorine
Flavonones
Goldthread
Garlic
Mallow
Oak
Other body systems supported by Phenolics (unspecified)
BrainCapillaries
Circulatory System
Digestive System
Gums
Heart
Hepatic System
Immune System
Intestinal System
Joints
Mucus Membranes
Respiratory System
Skin
Urinary System