Garlic extract exhibits potent antibacterial properties. Image source: Shutterstock
Medical researchers at Sharjah University in the United Arab Emirates have found that garlic extract has antibacterial effects comparable to commonly used preservatives and disinfectants such as chlorhexidine. The study, recently published in the *Journal of Herbal Medicine*, states that garlic mouthwash may cause more discomfort than chlorhexidine, but its activity appears to be more prolonged.
The author explains, "While chlorhexidine is widely used as a mouthwash, it has always been associated with potential side effects and antibiotic resistance. Garlic, known for its natural antibacterial properties, has emerged as a potential alternative."
The researchers reached these conclusions based on a systematic review that examined the performance of garlic extract compared to chlorhexidine in a clinical setting and whether it could serve as a herbal alternative.
Their analysis followed the 2020 Guidelines for Preferred Reporting Programs in Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses, which aims to improve the reliability and transparency of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The authors also used the PICO framework to construct clinical research questions. PICO is a core structured framework in evidence-based medicine used to construct clinical questions and develop literature search strategies.
The review points out that the effectiveness of mouthwash varies depending on its concentration and duration of use, leading to differing results. Some studies support the ability of chlorhexidine to maintain a higher plaque/saliva pH, while others report that garlic extract is more effective at certain concentrations. However, garlic extract mouthwash may cause more intense discomfort, primarily including a burning sensation and unpleasant odor, which may influence patients' willingness to switch from chlorhexidine to garlic-based products.
Nevertheless, this review provides strong support for the clinical antibacterial activity of garlic extract, stating that garlic extract mouthwash significantly reduced bacterial counts from baseline. The review also notes that numerous studies have demonstrated the protective effects of garlic extract against a variety of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and its applications have been explored in areas such as denture stomatitis, dentinal tubule disinfection, and intracanal medication.
The authors recommend conducting clinical trials with more participants and longer follow-up periods to confirm the effectiveness of garlic as an alternative to chlorhexidine and to improve its clinical applicability.
The authors stated that these studies help to understand the antibacterial effects of garlic extract compared to synthetic preparations such as chlorhexidine, but further research is needed to confirm the efficacy of garlic in dental practice.
Related paper information: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101053
(Original title: Garlic mouthwash has amazing antibacterial properties)
