Scientists are reporting identification of two substances in licorice - used
extensively in Chinese traditional medicine - that kill the major bacteria
responsible for tooth decay and gum disease, the leading causes of tooth loss in
children and adults. In a study in ACS' Journal of Natural Products, they say
that these substances could have a role in treating and preventing tooth decay
and gum disease.
Stefan Gafner and colleagues explain that the dried
root of the licorice plant is a common treatment in Chinese traditional
medicine, especially as a way to enhance the activity of other herbal
ingredients or as a flavoring. Despite the popularity of licorice candy in the
U.S., licorice root has been replaced in domestic candy with anise oil, which
has a similar flavor. Traditional medical practitioners use dried licorice root
to treat various ailments, such as respiratory and digestive problems, but few
modern scientific studies address whether licorice really works. (Consumers
should check with their health care provider before taking licorice root because
it can have undesirable effects and interactions with prescription drugs.) To
test whether the sweet root could combat the bacteria that cause gum disease and
cavities, the researchers took a closer look at various substances in licorice.
They found that two of the licorice compounds, licoricidin and
licorisoflavan A, were the most effective antibacterial substances. These
substances killed two of the major bacteria responsible for dental cavities and
two of the bacteria that promote gum disease. One of the compounds - licoricidin
- also killed a third gum disease bacterium. The researchers say that these
substances could treat or even prevent oral infections.
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