Evidence supporting the use of: Potentilla
For the body system: Gums
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Potentilla, commonly known as cinquefoil, has a long history of traditional use in herbal medicine, particularly in Europe and Asia. Its astringent properties, largely attributed to the high tannin content, have made it a popular remedy for oral and gum health. Traditionally, infusions or decoctions of Potentilla (especially Potentilla erecta, or tormentil) have been used as mouthwashes to soothe inflamed gums, reduce bleeding, and promote oral hygiene. The rationale is that astringents help tighten mucous membranes and reduce inflammation, which can be beneficial in cases of gingivitis or minor gum irritation.
However, while there is significant documentation of these traditional uses in ethnobotanical and herbal literature, scientific validation is limited. Some in vitro studies have demonstrated antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects of Potentilla extracts, but robust clinical trials in the context of gum health are lacking. Most of the evidence remains anecdotal or based on historical practice rather than modern research. Therefore, while Potentilla is genuinely used for supporting gum health in traditional herbalism, the strength of evidence is moderate and primarily based on its longstanding use and known astringent properties rather than on rigorous scientific validation.
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anthocyanins
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apple cider vinegar
Areca
Ascophyllum nodosum
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aucubin
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Baccharis dracunculifolia
bai ji
balsam
bayberry
bee products
bee propolis
benzoin
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betel
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bilberry
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bistort
blackberry
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bloodroot
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cajuput
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canaigre
capsicum
cardamom
carvacrol
Casearia sylvestris
catechins
catechu
cayenne pepper
cinquefoil
Cistus
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citrus bioflavonoids
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
clove
coca
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
Collinsonia
comfrey
commiphora
cranesbill
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Curcuminoid
cutch
Cyanthillium cinereum
dragon\'s blood
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Echinacea
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eugenol
European five-finger grass
fiber
flavanones
flavans
flavonoids
flavonols
flavonones
fleabane
fluoride
fluorine
frankincense
fructoborate
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garlic
Glechoma hederacea
goldenseal
goldenseal
goldthread
gooseberry
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hesperidin
honey
horsetail
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Lactobacillus salivarius
Lactoperoxidase
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lemon
Leptospermum scoparium
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licorice root
lime
lingonberry
lodhtree
lysozyme
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mallow
Malva sylvestris
mango
manzanita
marigold
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Matico
melaleuca alternifolia
Menthol oil
Mineral ascorbate
mixed carotenoids
Mucilage
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Myrrh
Nasturtium
Neem tree
New Jersey Tea
Nimbidin
Oak
Oleuropein
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins
omega-3 fatty acids
orange
oregon grape
Orris
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pagoda tree
Pedra hume
Pellitory
Persimmon
phenolic compounds
Phosphate ascorbate
pine bark
Plantago
plantain
polyphenols
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prickly ash
proanthocyanidins
procyanidin
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Pycnogenol
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Sapindus mukorossi
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shepherd's purse
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turmeric
Ulmus
Vestitol
vitamin C
vitamin K
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White oak
White Tea
white willow
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zanthoxylum
Zinc