Oral Microbiome and Siddha Herbal Medicine: A Comprehensive Literature Review

Abstract

This review synthesizes research on oral microbiome and Siddha, herbal medicine to address the limited scientific validation of traditional formulations in modulating oral microbial communities and improving oral health. The review aimed to evaluate antibacterial and antibiofilm effects of Siddha herbal formulations, benchmark their efficacy against conventional agents, identify key phytochemicals, and assess integration prospects with modern dentistry. Literature from South Asia published up to early 2024 was systematically analyzed, focusing on in vitro antimicrobial assays, phytochemical profiling, clinical evaluations, and integrative frameworks. Findings reveal that multiple Siddha and herbal formulations exhibit significant antibacterial and biofilm-disrupting activities against major oral pathogens, with some demonstrating comparable efficacy to standard agents like chlorhexidine. Phytochemical analyses identified bioactive compounds such as quercetin, eugenol, and azadirachtin underpinning antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, though mechanistic studies remain limited. Clinical data indicate potential safety and efficacy of herbal oral care products, yet rigorous trials are scarce. Integration with modern dentistry is conceptually supported but constrained by lack of standardized protocols and regulatory frameworks. Collectively, evidence supports Siddha herbal medicine as a promising adjunct for holistic oral healthcare, warranting further standardized clinical research and formulation optimization to facilitate evidence-based integration into contemporary dental practice.