Oxidative Stress in Periodontitis

Herbal medicines, including herbs, herbal preparations and finished herbal products, contain as active ingredients parts of plants or other plant materials perceived to have therapeutic benefits [1]. About 80% of the worldwide population use herbal products for their basic health care (primary care) such as extracts, teas and other active principles, a market estimated at US$ 50 billion per year [2]. Herbal products are preferred over conventional drugs due to wide biological activity, higher safety margin, and lower costs. Furthermore, the conventional drugs are known to cause various side effects, and continuous intake has resulted in antibiotic resistance. Thus, herbal medicines are being used increasingly as dietary supplements to fight or prevent common diseases [3].