Evaluation of chamomile, sage, and ginger mouthwashes in reducing plaque and gum inflammation

ISRCTN	ISRCTN10078236
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN10078236
Sponsor	Universitatea de Vest "Vasile Goldis" din Arad
Funder	Universitatea de Vest "Vasile Goldis" din Arad

Submission date: 05/03/2026
Registration date: 06/03/2026
Last edited: 06/03/2026

Recruitment status: No longer recruiting
Overall study status: Completed
Condition category: Oral Health

Prospectively registered

Protocol

Statistical analysis plan

Results

Individual participant data

Record updated in last year

Plain English summary of protocol

Not provided at time of registration

Contact information

Prof Ioana Lile
Principal investigator, Scientific, Public

B-dul Revolutiei, Nr.94-96
Arad
310009
Romania

ORCID ID	0009-0003-6347-3497
Phone	+40 745305221
Email	lile.ioana@uvvg.ro

Study information

Primary study design	Interventional
Allocation	Randomized controlled trial
Masking	Blinded (masking used)
Control	Placebo
Assignment	Single
Purpose	Health services research
Scientific title	Comparative clinical evaluation of chamomile, sage, and ginger mouthwashes in reducing plaque and gingival inflammation
Study acronym	CCECSGRPGI
Study objectives	This study objectives are to evaluate the short-term clinical potential of three herbal mouthwashes—Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile), Salvia officinalis (sage), and Zingiber officinale (ginger)—in reducing dental plaque and gingival inflammation in young adults.
Ethics approval(s)	Approved 13/10/2025, Research Ethics Committee of the Vasile Goldis University of Arad (bd. Revolutiei nr. 94, Arad, 310009, Romania; +40 (0)257 280 260; eticacercetarii@uvvg.ro), ref: 27
Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied	Prevention of dental plaque accumulation and prevention of gingival inflammation in young adults
Intervention	A randomised controlled clinical trial conducted on 175 systemically healthy participants, allocated equally into five groups (three herbal groups, placebo, and chlorhexidine). Each herbal group used a 2% aqueous infusion three times daily for twelve weeks. Clinical assessments were performed at baseline (T0), weeks 1–4 (T1), 5–8 (T2), and 9–12 (T3), using the Silness–Löe Plaque Index and the modified Löe–Silness Gingival Index. Participants were randomly allocated to one of five study groups using a computer-generated randomisation sequence created prior to participant recruitment by an independent investigator who was not involved in enrolment, clinical examination, or data analysis. Allocation concealment was ensured by sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes containing the group assignments. The envelope was opened only after the participant was included and the baseline examination was completed. Both participants and clinical examiners were blinded to group allocation, and all mouthwash formulations were dispensed in identical opaque containers.
Intervention type	Behavioural
Primary outcome measure(s)	Dental plaque measured using the Silness–Löe Plaque Index at baseline, week 1-4 (T1), week 5-8 (T2) and week 9-12 (T3) Gingival inflammation measured using the modified Löe–Silness Gingival Index at baseline, week 1-4 (T1), week 5-8 (T2) and week 9-12 (T3)
Key secondary outcome measure(s)
Completion date	05/03/2026

Eligibility

Participant type(s)
Age group	Adult
Lower age limit	20 Years
Upper age limit	45 Years
Sex	All
Target sample size at registration	175
Total final enrolment	175
Key inclusion criteria	1. Age between 20 and 45 years 2. At least 20 natural teeth and no extensive prosthetic rehabilitation 3. No orthodontic or periodontal treatment in the past 6 months 4. Willingness to use only the assigned mouthwash and follow study instructions 5. Provided written informed consent
Key exclusion criteria	1. Known allergy or hypersensitivity to chamomile, sage, or ginger 2. Use of antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or antiseptic mouthwashes within the last 4 weeks 3. Pregnant or lactating women 4. Current orthodontic appliances or extensive prosthetic restorations 5. Active caries or acute oral infections at baseline
Date of first enrolment	13/10/2025
Date of final enrolment	23/10/2025

Locations

Countries of recruitment

Romania

Study participating centres

Results and Publications

Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share	No
IPD sharing plan summary	Not expected to be made available
IPD sharing plan

Study outputs

Output type	Details	Date created	Date added	Peer reviewed?	Patient-facing?
Other files	Informed consent form		06/03/2026	No	No

Additional files

49144 Informed consent form.pdf: Informed consent form

Editorial Notes

06/03/2026: Trial's existence confirmed by the Institutional Ethics Committee of “Vasile Goldiș” Western University of Arad.