Role of Herbal Medicine in Periodontics- A Review

Herbal medicines have long been used as a traditional mode of therapy for various ailments. They are being used increasingly as dietary supplements to ward off common diseases. Periodontal diseases are highly prevalent and can affect up to 90% of the world population. Gingivitis is the mild form whereas periodontitis results in an irreversible loss of supporting structures of the teeth. Over the last decade, herbal and Ayurvedic drugs has become a subject of world importance, as they possess both medicinal and economic implications. Herbal excipients are non-toxic and compatible; they have a major role to play in pharmaceutical formulation. Herbal medicines have been widely used all over the world since ancient times and have been recognized by physicians and patients for their better therapeutic value as they have fewer adverse effects as compared to modern medicines. The aim of the present article is to present review of the current strategies adopted for the formulation and application of traditional herbal remedies.