Effect of various natural medicinals on salivary protein putrefaction and malodor production.
OBJECTIVE
Salivary incubation assays are commonly used in oral malodor studies. Using an in vitro model system, the effect of various natural medicinals (i.e., echinacea, propolis, elder, mastic gum, marigold, sage, lavender, thyme, and chamomile) on salivary protein putrefaction and malodor production was examined.


METHODS
Malodor production levels were scored by an experienced odor judge. Volatile sulfide levels were measured using a sulfide monitor (Halimeter), and salivary protein degradation was determined densitometrically following electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gel (SDS-PAGE). Microbial population was evaluated by viable counts and microscopy.


RESULTS
Whereas all of the various medicinals caused some reduction in malodor production from the incubated whole saliva, echinacea and lavender were the most effective.


CONCLUSIONS
The bioassay utilized in the present study suggests that these herbs may inhibit oral malodor production.
Sterer
Nir
N
Department of Prosthodontics, The Hebrew University, Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel. sterer@hadassah.org.il
Rubinstein
Yael
Y
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D020900:Echinacea; D006209:Halitosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D027523:Lavandula; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D012471:Salivary Proteins and Peptides / Q000187:drug effects*
D028321:Plant Preparations; D012471:Salivary Proteins and Peptides