Antiplaque and antigingivitis effects of a gel containing Punica granatum Linn extract: a double-blind clinical study in humans.
OBJECTIVE
The antiplaque and antigingivitis effects of a gel containing 10% Punica granatum Linn extract were evaluated using a 21-day partial-mouth experimental model of gingivitis.


METHODS
23 volunteers participated in this cross-over, double-blind study, carried out in 2 phases of 21 days each. For each period of the experiment, an acrylic toothshield was made for each volunteer to carry the test or placebo gel as well as to avoid brushing of the 4 experimental teeth (posterior teeth in the lower left quadrant). The subjects were randomly assigned to use either the placebo gel (control group) or the test gel (experimental group) and were instructed to brush the remaining teeth normally 3 times a day. On days 0 and 21, the visible plaque index (VPI) and gingival bleeding index (GBI) were recorded.


RESULTS
The results did not show statistically significant difference between control and experimental groups for either of the indices (VPI and GBI).


CONCLUSIONS
The gel containing 10% Punica granatum Linn extract was not efficient in preventing supragingival dental plaque formation and gingivitis.
Salgado
Alexandre Daher Yunes
AD
University of Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
Maia
Juliana Lemos
JL
Pereira
Sérgio Luís da Silva
SL
de Lemos
Telma Leda Gomes
TL
Mota
Olívia Morais de Lima
OM