Short-term clinical effects of commercially available gel containing Acacia arabica: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Background: Certain plants used in folk medicine serve as a source of therapeutic agent by having antimicrobial and other multi-potential effects. This prospective, randomized, placebo and positively controlled clinical trial was designed to evaluate the short-term clinical effects of a commercially available gel containing Acacia arabica in the reduction of plaque and gingival inflammation in subjects with gingivitis. Methods: Ninety subjects diagnosed with chronic generalized gingivitis were selected and randomly divided into three groups: Group I - placebo gel, Group II - gumtone gel and Group III - 1% chlorhexidine gel. Clinical evaluation was undertaken using the gingival index of Loe and Silness and the plaque index at baseline, 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 6 weeks. A subjective evaluation was undertaken by questionnaire. Results: Gumtone gel showed significant clinical improvement in gingival and plaque index scores as compared to a placebo gel. This improvement was comparable to 1% chlorhexidine gel. Unlike chlorhexidine gel, gumtone gel was not associated with any discolouration of teeth or unpleasant taste. Conclusions: Gumtone gel may be a useful herbal formulation for chemical plaque control agent and improvement in plaque and gingival status.