Evidence supporting the use of: Allium (unspecified)
For the health condition: Halitosis

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

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Allium species, particularly garlic (Allium sativum) and onion (Allium cepa), have a long history of traditional use in folk medicine for a variety of ailments, including oral health. In some traditional medicine systems, Allium extracts or preparations have been used to address oral malodor (halitosis). The rationale is typically based on the antimicrobial properties of Allium constituents such as allicin, which can inhibit the growth of bacteria known to contribute to bad breath. However, it is important to note that consumption of garlic and onions themselves can actually cause halitosis due to the release of volatile sulfur compounds. The traditional use for treating halitosis may be more related to topical application (e.g., rinses or poultices) rather than ingestion, but the evidence is largely anecdotal and not well-documented in scientific literature.

Modern scientific validation for Allium's effectiveness in treating halitosis is limited. While Allium extracts have demonstrated antimicrobial activity in vitro, there are few, if any, well-conducted clinical trials directly assessing their efficacy in reducing halitosis in humans. Thus, while the traditional use exists and there is a theoretical basis due to antimicrobial effects, the evidence supporting Allium for this indication is weak and largely unsubstantiated by rigorous scientific studies.

More about Allium (unspecified)
More about Halitosis

Products containing Allium (unspecified)

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