Efficacy and Tolerability of a Scutellaria lateriflora L. and Cistus x incanus L.-Based Chewing Gum on the Symptoms of Gingivitis: A Monocentric, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Preclinical studies have shown that the combination of Cistus x incanus L. and Scutellaria lateriflora L. extracts exerts beneficial effects on oral health against gingivitis. Thus, this study aimed to assess the tolerability of a chewing gum and its efficacy on gingivitis in a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Enrolled subjects (n = 60, 18-70 years) were randomized to receive two chewing gums or a placebo daily for 3 months. At baseline (t0) and monthly (t1, t2, and t3) timepoints, the Quantitative Gingival Bleeding Index (QGBI), the Modified Gingival Index (MGI), and the Oral Health 15 items (OH-15)] were employed to assess potential improvements in gingivitis. Pain was self-quantified via the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the Clinical Global Impression Scale for Severity of illness (CGI-S) helped in evaluating the oral general conditions. This study is listed on the ISRCTN registry. At t3, the QGBI, MGI, OH-15, VAS, and CGI-S values decreased in the treated but not in the placebo group (beta = 0.6 +/- 0.1, t(176) = 3.680, p < 0.001; beta = 0.87 +/- 0.21, t(115) = 4.263, p < 0.001; beta = 5.3 +/- 2.5, t(172) = 2.086, p = 0.038; beta = 3.16 +/- 0.51, t(88) = 6.253, p < 0.001; and beta = 1.09 +/- 0.32, t(83) = 3.419, p < 0.001, respectively). A significant improvement in gingival health occurred after a 3-month intervention with the chewing gums containing S. lateriflora and C. incanus extracts.