Efficacy and Tolerability of a <i>Scutellaria lateriflora</i> L. and <i>Cistus</i> × <i>incanus</i> L.-Based Chewing Gum on the Symptoms of Gingivitis: A Monocentric, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Preclinical studies have shown that the combination of Cistus × incanus L. and Scutellaria lateriflora L. extracts exerts beneficial effects on oral health against gingivitis. Thus, this study aimed to assess the tolerability of a chewing gum and its efficacy on gingivitis in a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Enrolled subjects (n = 60, 18–70 years) were randomized to receive two chewing gums or a placebo daily for 3 months. At baseline (t0) and monthly (t1, t2, and t3) timepoints, the Quantitative Gingival Bleeding Index (QGBI), the Modified Gingival Index (MGI), and the Oral Health 15 items (OH-15)] were employed to assess potential improvements in gingivitis. Pain was self-quantified via the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the Clinical Global Impression Scale for Severity of illness (CGI-S) helped in evaluating the oral general conditions. This study is listed on the ISRCTN registry. At t3, the QGBI, MGI, OH-15, VAS, and CGI-S values decreased in the treated but not in the placebo group (β = 0.6 ± 0.1, t176 = 3.680, p 115 = 4.263, p 172 = 2.086, p = 0.038; β = 3.16 ± 0.51, t88 = 6.253, p 83 = 3.419, p S. lateriflora and C. incanus extracts.

Keywords

• <i>Scutellaria lateriflora</i> L.
• <i>Cistus × incanus</i> L.
• gingivitis
• chewing gum
• randomized clinical trial