Medicinal plants identified for dental care in Benin: a promising study

A study conducted by Tonahin Giscard Pépin Guezodje at the Université de Lorraine identified the potential of 10 medicinal plants for oral care in Benin, involving 1,697 participants. The findings show significant antibacterial activity from plants such as Anogeissus leiocarpa and Prosopis africana, opening the way to therapeutic alternatives in a context of limited dental care.

This ethnobotanical research, conducted in Benin, highlights the traditional use of medicinal plants for dental care, despite a lack of scientific data on their effectiveness. Although practices such as the use of chewing sticks are common, scientific validation of these methods remains insufficient, pointing to a scientific bottleneck that needs to be addressed.

The study involved 1,697 participants and identified ten plants of interest. Anogeissus leiocarpa showed superior antiradical activity, while Prosopis africana demonstrated strong activity against strains of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, indicating significant potential for the development of phytotherapeutic products.

The findings of this research suggest strategic implications for decision-makers, notably the need to validate these practices and encourage the commercialization of derived products. Harnessing these plants could not only improve the oral health of local populations but also boost the economy through the dental care market.

« "Anogeissus leiocarpa showed superior antiradical activity and Prosopis africana displayed strong activity against clinical strains of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae," notes Tonahin Giscard Pépin Guezodje. »

« "This research opens up interesting prospects for decision-makers in public health and the local economy, highlighting access to natural solutions for dental care," states the Lektaris team. »