Asarum sieboldii, a Potential Ethnomedicinal Herb in Dentistry and Oral Health

Abstract

Asarum sieboldii, a species of wild ginger native to East Asia, has long been recognised as an important herb in Asian traditional medicine. It has been applied in the treatment of toothache, cough, asthma, and sinusitis. A. sieboldii has gained global interest because it offers solutions to multiple health concerns. The plant is renowned for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. Its roots exhibit a wide range of biological and pharmacological effects. The plant contains several chemical constituents, including methyleugenol, 3,4,5-trimethoxytoluene, and safrole, which contribute to its medicinal benefits. Whereas literature search highlights the potential application of A. sieboldii in herbal medicine, to date its application in dentistry remains largely unexplored, with the existing literature vastly fragmented in various sources. This review therefore, provides a comprehensive overview of the potential application of A. sieboldii in dentistry and oral health. The plant shows considerable promise and appears to be effective for managing common oral diseases such as tooth decay, periodontal diseases, toothache, oral cancer, oral ulcers, and gingivitis. Its ability to inhibit nitric oxide release, along with its neuroprotective effects, further enhances its potential for relieving pain and inflammation. With these therapeutic benefits, A. sieboldii presents a promising natural alternative or a complementary option to conventional dental treatments, capable of addressing a wide range of oral health conditions. The findings from this review could serve as a solid foundation for future research, supporting the development of high-quality, safe, and effective A. sieboldii–based products in dentistry and oral health.