Chlorhexidine is widely used as an oral antiseptic because it kills bacteria effectively, but it has a major drawback: it damages the body’s own cells, which slows down healing. Researchers tested whether a standardized extract from Centella asiatica could reduce this harmful effect while keeping the antibacterial benefits intact. They ran several experiments using human gum cells and immune cells to measure how well the extract protected cells from damage, helped them move and regenerate, and reduced inflammation. They also tested whether the extract promoted blood vessel formation. The results showed that adding the extract to chlorhexidine preserved its bacteria-killing ability while significantly protecting gum cells from harm and helping them recover.
The extract also calmed down inflammatory responses and boosted new blood vessel growth. This combination approach could solve a real clinical problem: doctors could use an effective antiseptic without sacrificing the patient’s ability to heal after dental surgery or injury. (Source: Arch Oral Biol, via PubMed.)
Source: PubMed — read the full article