East Windsor, NJ—A new study supports the use of Sabinsa’s Curcumin C3 Reduct as an oral care ingredient, according to a press release.

Curcumin C3 Reduct is a self-affirmed GRAS ingredient composed entirely of certain major active metabolites formed upon the ingestion of curcuminoids, called Tetrahydrocurcuminoids (THCs). The study, published inEvidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine,explains that earlier studies have shown that THCs can protect the skin matrix by minimizing inflammation and improving skin elasticity and tightness, “suggesting that THC can be used as a safe agent for wound healing.” Previous studies, the authors added, have found that curcumin-based mouthwash could reduce gingival inflammation and plaque in patients with chronic gingivitis.

The study included 30 people with canker sores (painful ulcers in the mouth or at the base of the gums) and 29 people with gingivitis (a gum disease associated with bleeding), all of whom were given two 100mg chewable tablets/day for three weeks.

Canker sore patients saw a minimum reduction of approximately 50% in pain, burning, and reddening after 14 days of treatment, as well as a reduction in difficulty chewing and swallowing. By the end of the study, all canker sore lesions were completely healed.

Gingivitis patients saw improvements in symptoms including dryness, soreness, and ulcer formation after 14 days, improvements with lasted through to the end of the treatment period. Bleeding and inflammation were both reduced. Participants also say reduction in staining of teeth.

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No adverse events were reported.

The authors concluded: “The oral treatment with THCs is an effective and safe way to reduce pain and suffering in subjects from gingivitis and [canker sores].”

In Sabinsa’s press release, Founder and Chairman Dr. Muhammed Majeed stated: “Discovering herbal-based treatments in conditions where no satisfactory pharma therapy is readily available continues to drive our innovation. It is particularly satisfying when no side effects are seen in these trials and the treatment costs are eminently affordable.” Dr. Majeed co-authored the study in question.