Licorice could prevent cavities
25 January 2006
by Carina
Lee
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Certain compounds isolated from the licorice plant root possess healing qualities that help prevent cavities. This is according to the studies undertaken by researchers at the University of California. The study has found that two extracted sources from the plant root of the licorice can inhibit the gram-positive bacteria responsible for tooth decay, Streptococcus mutans. The findings are published in the Journal of Natural Products. Further studies concerning these substances still need to be tested, explains Dr. Qing-Yi Liu who is a chemist from UCLA's School of Medicine. Chinese medicine regards licorice as an important herb rather than confectionary, as they have observed other various healing effects such as the ability to fight inflammation, viruses, ulcers, and perhaps even cancer. Once the effects of licorice root have been tested and verified, its incorporation into toothpaste or mouthwash could be used to effectively fight off dental cavities. |
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