[MPWG] Magnolia bark could take the edge off bad breath

Patricia_Ford at fws.gov Patricia_Ford at fws.gov
Tue Nov 20 08:46:56 CST 2007


Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/health/7103208.stm

Magnolia could sweeten the breath
Magnolia bark could take the edge off bad breath much more effectively than
mints alone, US researchers say.
The extract, already used in the treatment of various disorders, may also
be effective against the bacteria which causes tooth decay.

Researchers at the Wrigley Company carried out tests on nine volunteers.

Writing in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, they found mints
laced with magnolia killed 20 times more bacteria than mints without.

After half an hour, the magnolia mint had killed more than 60% of the
bacteria, compared to just 3.6% among those who had consumed a normal mint.


Bad breath or halitosis is a major social and psychological problem that
affects the majority of the general population
Researchers
All the volunteers were healthy, and had just eaten lunch.

Bacteria killed included those responsible for bad breath problems such as
halitosis, as well as Streptococcus mutans, blamed for tooth decay.

"Bad breath or halitosis is a major social and psychological problem that
affects the majority of the general population," the researchers wrote.

"Magnolia bark extract demonstrated a significant anti-bacterial activity
against organisms responsible for oral malodour and can be incorporated
into mints and chewing gum for improved breath freshening benefits."

Advocates of magnolia have long praised its properties, claiming it can
alleviate the symptoms of conditions ranging from rheumatism to asthma.

Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation
said the results of the study looked "very promising".

"Standard mints and mouthwashes only really mask bad breath temporarily and
while chewing gum can be effective due to its ability to increase the flow
of saliva, this research might be another step forward in it developing an
even greater role in good oral health practice."

But he stressed that brushing teeth twice a day remained as important as
ever for good oral health.








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