Exploring a Herbal Blend to Fight Bad Breath

Greg Howard
17th February, 2024

Exploring a Herbal Blend to Fight Bad Breath

Goatsbeard (Aruncus dioicus), one of the plant species covered in the study.

Photo adapted from: Nathan Aaron / CC BY (Source)
Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, affects a significant portion of the population and can have a considerable impact on social interactions and quality of life. While often considered a dental issue, the causes can be complex. Research indicates that approximately 80-90% of halitosis cases originate from oral conditions[2], such as tongue coating and periodontal disease, but non-oral factors like gastrointestinal issues can also play a role. A recent study conducted by researchers at Kyung Hee University[1] investigated a novel treatment approach for halitosis specifically linked to mild gastrointestinal symptoms. The study focused on a botanical blend called SGE-107, composed of Korean goat’s beard, Cirsium tanakae, and basil, with caffeic acid as a key indicator. The researchers enrolled 25 participants experiencing both bad breath and dyspeptic symptoms – a general term for digestive discomfort. The aim was to determine if SGE-107 could alleviate both the oral malodor and the underlying gastrointestinal issues. To assess the treatment’s effectiveness, the researchers employed a range of measurements. Participants rated the severity of their halitosis using a visual analog scale – a simple method where individuals mark a point on a line to indicate the intensity of their symptom. They also completed a halitosis-associated life-quality test to gauge how bad breath impacted their daily lives. Objective measurements included levels of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) – gases produced by bacteria in the mouth that are major contributors to odor – as well as assessments of salivary flow rate, oral moisture, and the condition of the tongue using the Winkel tongue coating index. Additionally, the Korean gastrointestinal symptom rating scale was used to quantify the severity of digestive problems. The results showed significant improvements after four weeks of SGE-107 treatment. Participants reported a substantial reduction in the perceived severity of their halitosis, as indicated by the visual analog scale. Scores on the life-quality test also decreased significantly, suggesting an improved quality of life. Importantly, the proportion of participants with abnormally high levels of methyl mercaptan – a specific VSC – decreased from 70.8% to 37.5%. This suggests the treatment effectively reduced the bacterial production of odor-causing compounds. Beyond addressing the halitosis itself, SGE-107 also demonstrated positive effects on gastrointestinal symptoms. Participants experienced improvements in reflux, constipation, and diarrhea, leading to an overall reduction in their gastrointestinal symptom scores. The study also noted a high safety profile, with only two participants experiencing mild adverse events. The prevalence of halitosis is estimated to be around 31.8% in adults[3], highlighting the widespread nature of the condition. While many factors contribute to halitosis, the link between oral health and systemic conditions, such as gastrointestinal disorders, is increasingly recognized. The findings of this study suggest that addressing both the oral and gastrointestinal components of halitosis may be a more effective treatment strategy. Furthermore, recent research has shown that the use of face masks, now commonplace, can exacerbate both dry mouth and the perception of halitosis[4], potentially increasing the demand for effective treatments. The Kyung Hee University study provides promising evidence for the potential of SGE-107 as a treatment for halitosis associated with mild gastrointestinal symptoms. However, the researchers acknowledge the limitations of a small sample size and emphasize the need for larger, randomized controlled trials to confirm these findings and establish the long-term efficacy and safety of SGE-107.

HerbsMedicineHealth

References

Main Study

1) Preliminary investigation of a combined herbal extract of Aruncus dioicus, Cirsium nipponicum, and Ocimum basilicum for halitosis.

Published 16th February, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000037061

Related Studies

2) A review of the current literature on aetiology and measurement methods of halitosis.

Journal: Journal of dentistry, Issue: Vol 35, Issue 8, Aug 2007

3) Estimated prevalence of halitosis: a systematic review and meta-regression analysis.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-017-2164-5

4) COVID-19 Pandemic: Effect of Different Face Masks on Self-Perceived Dry Mouth and Halitosis.

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18179180


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