Shiny-Leaf Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum clava-herculis), also known as Southern Prickly Ash or Toothache Tree, has a longstanding history of traditional use in North America, particularly among Indigenous peoples and in folk medicine, for supporting gum and oral health. The inner bark and berries have been chewed or made into poultices to alleviate toothaches, gum discomfort, and other oral ailments. This traditional use is the basis for its inclusion in herbal formulas aimed at supporting the gums and overall oral health. The plant contains alkaloids, essential oils, and other bioactive compounds, which are thought to have mild analgesic and possibly antimicrobial properties, though these effects have not been extensively validated in rigorous clinical trials.

Despite the traditional reputation, there is a paucity of scientific studies directly investigating the effects of Shiny-Leaf Prickly Ash on gum health. Evidence is limited to anecdotal reports, ethnobotanical records, and a few in vitro studies suggesting potential antimicrobial activity. No well-controlled human clinical trials have established its safety or efficacy for supporting the gums. Therefore, while traditional use is well-documented, scientific validation is lacking, and any claims should be considered preliminary.