2025-12-09 15:33:28
Garlic extract could be the best mouthwash alternative for fighting germs.
According to a new systematic review from the University of Sharjah, the herb may be as effective as chlorhexidine — the leading prescription antiseptic mouthwash — in killing harmful oral microbes.
The findings suggest that garlic-based rinses could serve as a viable alternative in some clinical contexts, offering comparable antimicrobial action.
The researchers wrote: “Chlorhexidine is widely used as a gold standard mouthwash but is associated with side effects and concerns over antimicrobial resistance.
“Garlic (Allium sativum), known for natural antimicrobial properties, has emerged as a potential alternative.”
The review assessed nearly 400 scientific papers and included five clinical studies that met strict criteria.
Across these trials, higher-concentration garlic extract mouthwash delivered antimicrobial results similar to chlorhexidine, although outcomes varied by dosage and duration of use.
Some studies found chlorhexidine more effective at maintaining plaque pH, while others reported greater antimicrobial reductions using garlic extract.
Side effects differed between the two products, as garlic-based rinses produced more discomfort, including burning sensations and strong odour, but these effects were generally considered milder than those associated with synthetic agents.
The review stated: “Significant reductions in bacterial counts from baseline … suggest the possible use of garlic extract mouthwash as a viable alternative to chlorhexidine in certain contexts.”
Garlic’s active compound, allicin, is responsible for its antimicrobial activity, and growing interest in herbal formulations has driven a rapid expansion of the global garlic extract market.
While chlorhexidine remains the clinically preferred option and typically requires a prescription, garlic extracts are readily available over the counter.
The researchers emphasised the need for larger, standardised clinical trials before garlic can be recommended more widely.
They note that methodological inconsistencies across existing studies leave gaps in the evidence.
Even so, the review indicates that garlic extract could play a meaningful role in future oral-care strategies, particularly for patients seeking natural alternatives to conventional antiseptics.
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