title: Efficacy of a commercially available multi-herbal formulation in periodontal therapy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This prospective clinical trial was designed to evaluate the clinical effects of a commercially available powder (Periocare(®) Gum massage powder), containing various herbal medicaments, in the reduction of plaque and gingival inflammation in subjects diagnosed with gingivitis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventy-five subjects diagnosed with chronic generalized gingivitis were selected and randomly divided into the following three groups: Group I - Scaling + Periocare(®) Gum Massage powder, Group II - Periocare(®) Gum Massage powder alone, and Group III - Scaling only. Clinical evaluation was done at baseline, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 6 weeks using gingival index, plaque index, and microbiological culturing of plaque samples.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Periocare(®) Gum Massage (multi-herbal formulation) powder as an adjunct to mechanical therapy (scaling) showed significant clinical and microbiological improvement in the gingival index and plaque index scores as compared to other groups. Periocare(®) Gum Massage powder as a monotherapy did not prove to be effective for plaque control.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Periocare(®) Gum Massage may be a useful herbal formulation for chemical plaque control and improvement in plaque scores and gingival status.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, DAPM R V Dental College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Suchetha
authors.forename: Ashit G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Bharwani
keywords: Anti-plaque agents; clinical trial; gingivitis; plaque