**10. Chicory**

398 Contemporary Approach to Dental Caries

Licorice is the name applied to the roots and stolons of Glycyrrhiza species. Licorice roots extract contains Glycyrrhizol A, a compound that has strong antimicrobial activity against cariogenic bacteria,. Two pilot human studies indicate that a brief application of Licorice roots extract lollipop led to a marked reduction of cariogenic bacteria in oral cavity among

Quercus infectoria (Fabaceae) is a small tree, the galls arise on young branches of this tree as a result of attack by the gall-wasp, Adleria gallae-tinctoria. The plant is known as Mayaphal and Majufal in Hindi. Quercus infectoria gall extract has the potential to generate herbal metabolites. the crude extracts demonstrating anti-dental caries activity could result in the discovery of new chemical classes of antibiotics. These chemical classes of antibiotics could serve as selective agents for the maintenance of human health and provide bio-chemical

Nidus Vespae is widely distributed in China and is typically harvested in the autumn & winter seasons and dried in the open air, after removal of dead wasps, for use in traditional Chinese medicine, where it has been used in the treatment of a variety of diseases, including cardiovascular, digestive and urinary disorders. The well-known pharmacopoeia of traditional Chinese medicine also lists the use of Nidus vespae For toothaches, through tooth brushing. A study showed significant inhabitation of glucosyltransferases activity and biofilm formation by Nidus Vespa extract. The researchers concluded it to be a promising natural product for the prevention of dental caries. Nidus Vespa have been extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine, given their multiple pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-virus and anesthetic properties (Xiao et al 2007).

The gum of Cratoxylum formosum, commonly known as mempat, is a natural agent that has been used extensively for caries prevention by hill tribe people residing in Thailand. A research showed Cratoxylum formosum gum has high antimicrobial activity against S. mutans

This evergreen tree is of medium height around 25 to 30 feet. It looks like a bush and is commonly foun in dry forest areas. This ayurvedic herb is great astringent and is equally useful as dentifrice, anti-hemorrhagic agent, and anti-diarrheal.A clinical trial was designed to evaluate the short-term clinical effects of Gumtone ,a commercially available gel containing Acacia Arabica in the reduction of plaque and gingival inflammation. Gumtone gel showed significant clinical improvement in gingival and plaque index scores as compared to a placebo gel. Gumtone gel was not associated with any discoloration of teeth

and may become a promising herbal varnish against caries (Suddhasthira et al 2006).

tools for the study of infectious diseases (Vermani & Navneet 2009).

**5. Licorice root** 

**7. Nidus Vespae** 

**8. Cratoxylum formosum gum** 

or unpleasant taste (Pradeep et al 2010).

**9. Acacia Arabica** 

most human subjects tested (Hu et al 2011).

**6. Quercus infectoria gall** 

Ancient ayurevedic literature contains several references on the medicinal uses of Cichorium intibus Linn (Chicory). Its usage has been for topical application in the treatment of acne, ophthalmia and inflammation of throat. The root is supposed to have aromatic cooling and healing properties. It is believed to purify and enrich blood, reduce inflammation of soft tissues and prevents pain in the joints. Some pharmacological actions of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of roots of chicory were reported. It was found that the extracts of chicory possess therapeutic properties in animal experimental models. In an *in vitro* study per formed by Patel on the anti-plaque effects of chicory extract, after adding herbal extract to the combination of four different commercial toothpastes, the anti-plaque effects of the mentioned toothpastes in comparison with the same toothpastes without herbal extract were evaluated using bacterial sensitivity tests and discs. Results of this study demonstrated a greater anti-plaque effect in all toothpastes containing herbal extract in comparison to the same toothpastes without extract. In another study, Patel compared the antiplaque activity of chicory extract with the antiplaque activity of penicillin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and streptomycin using microbial sensitivity tests and discs. In his study, bacteria in plaque samples showed high sensitivity to chloramphenicol and streptomycin, and their sensitivity to chicory extract was between the sensitivity to chloramphenicol and streptomycin (Patel & Venkatakrishna-Bhatt 1983).
