Khaberni - Researchers from the University of Sharjah have unveiled an unexpected element that might futurely make its way into mouthwashes: "garlic," despite its pungent odor.
The researchers relied on the results of 5 different studies and found that garlic extract provides longer protection against bacteria compared to some commonly used mouthwashes.
The researchers concluded that mouthwash made from high concentrations of garlic extract could be as effective as those containing chlorhexidine, and even superior in some cases.
This famous disinfectant is used in well-known products such as Corsodyl, Covonia, and Savlon, according to the "Daily Mail".
A promising alternative… with a hard-to-hide scent
The research team indicated that garlic mouthwash could be a "suitable alternative" to chlorhexidine, despite the potential to cause discomfort inside the mouth and a strong odor that is not easy to eliminate. However, these effects are less severe than those associated with chlorhexidine, which include tooth discoloration, taste alteration, and a burning sensation.
According to the analysis, a mouthwash containing 3% garlic extract showed greater effectiveness in reducing salivary bacteria over a week, compared to a mouthwash containing 0.2% chlorhexidine.
Encouraging results… but not yet sufficient
Despite the promising results, the researchers emphasize the necessity of conducting broader and longer clinical trials before commercially adopting garlic mouthwash, pointing out that most current studies are laboratory-based and lack standardized methodologies.
Allicin… the secret strength of garlic
The effectiveness of garlic is attributed to the compound allicin and about 50 other sulfur compounds that become active within the body. A 2018 review by the University of Nottingham linked the benefits of garlic to these compounds, which are absorbed from the soil and then transform during preparation and digestion into active substances with multiple health properties.
