Evidence supporting the use of: Gleditsia
For the body system: Teeth

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Synopsis

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

Gleditsia, particularly the species Gleditsia sinensis (also known as Chinese honey locust or soap bean), has a longstanding history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Its pods, known as "Zao Jiao," are traditionally used for their purported anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cleansing properties, including oral hygiene and dental care applications. Historically, powdered Gleditsia pods have been used as a natural tooth-cleaning agent to support oral health, reduce dental plaque, and address issues like bad breath. Some traditional toothpaste and mouthwash formulations in East Asia include Gleditsia extracts for these purposes.

However, while laboratory studies have shown Gleditsia extracts to possess some antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, there is limited direct scientific research evaluating their efficacy specifically in supporting dental health or preventing oral diseases in humans. Most of the support for Gleditsia's use for teeth remains rooted in traditional practice, rather than robust clinical evidence. Therefore, its application in this context is best described as "traditional" with a moderate evidence rating based on historical use and some preliminary scientific findings.

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