title: Antiplaque and antigingivitis effects of a gel containing Punica granatum Linn extract: a double-blind clinical study in humans.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: University of Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
authors.forename: Alexandre Daher Yunes
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Salgado
authors.forename: Juliana Lemos
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Maia
authors.forename: Sérgio Luís da Silva
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Pereira
authors.forename: Telma Leda Gomes
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: de Lemos
authors.forename: Olívia Morais de Lima
authors.initials: OM
authors.lastname: Mota