Chlorhexidine gluconate

A new study suggests that garlic-based mouthwash can offer longer-lasting residual effects than standard chemical compounds. SHARJAH, SHARJAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, November 20, 2025 / EINPresswire.com / -- Garlic extract demonstrates antimicrobial efficacy comparable to other widely used antiseptics and disinfectants, such as chlorhexidine, according to University of Sharjah medical scientists. Published in the Journal of Herbal Medicine, the study suggests that while garlic-based mouthwash may cause more discomfort than chlorhexidine, it offers longer-lasting residual effects. “Chlorhexidine is widely used as a gold standard mouthwash but is associated with side effects and concerns over antimicrobial resistance,” the authors note. “Garlic (Allium sativum), known for natural antimicrobial properties, has emerged as a potential alternative.” The findings are based on a systematic review of the literature in which the authors compare the antimicrobial efficacy of garlic extract with chlorhexidine in clinical practice, assessing its viability as a herbal substitute. The study adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses 2020 guidelines, which are specifically designed to enhance the credibility, completeness, and transparency of meta-analyses and systematic reviews. The paper also utilized the PICO framework, a structured approach that helps authors design clinical research questions to guide their systematic reviews. “A total of 389 articles were identified from six electronic databases in January 2024, and an additional 13 articles were included through manual citation searching. After removing duplicates and applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, only five articles were included,” the authors report. The literature analyzed included randomized controlled trials and clinical studies, characterized by variable designs and low-to-moderate risks of bias. Findings indicate that higher concentrations of garlic extract mouthwash demonstrated antimicrobial efficacy comparable to chlorhexidine. “The effectiveness varied based on mouthwash concentration and duration of application, contributing to differences in outcomes,” the review revealed. “Some studies favored chlorhexidine for maintaining higher plaque/salivary pH, while others reported garlic extract to be more effective at certain concentrations. However, garlic mouthwash may cause greater discomfort.” Although garlic extract is not without side effects, they are generally less severe than those associated with chemical compounds. Reported adverse reactions include burning sensation and unpleasant odor, which may affect patients' willingness to replace chlorhexidine with garlic-based alternatives. Despite these limitations, the review provides substantial evidence of garlic extract’s clinical antimicrobial effectiveness, “with significant reductions in bacterial counts from baseline … suggesting the possible use of garlic extract mouthwash as a viable alternative to chlorhexidine in certain contexts.” The authors emphasize the need for further clinical research involving larger sample sizes and extended follow-up to confirm the “effectiveness and improve clinical applicability” of using garlic as an alternative mouthwash to the currently widely used chlorhexidine, which remains the gold standard antimicrobial mouthwash. Research has established garlic as one of nature's most potent antibacterial and antifungal crops. For decades, scientists have sought to harness one of its compounds, called allicin, which exhibits strong antimicrobial properties. Although botanically classified as a vegetable, garlic is widely used both as a herb and a spice. Global consumption of garlic reached approximately 30 million metric tons in 2024, with China dominating both consumption and production, accounting for nearly 80% of the global supply. In the same year, the worldwide garlic extract market was valued at over $15 billion. Garlic extracts have found applications in various health products and are available over-the-counter. In contrast, synthetic agents such as chlorhexidine typically require a prescription from a dentist or physician. “Antimicrobial mouthwashes constitute an essential adjunct element in oral and dental care, acting against oral diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses attacking oral hard or soft tissues,” according to the review. “Different antimicrobial mouthwashes, whether available over-the-counter or on prescription, can be used in the management of gingivitis, dental caries, periodontal diseases, halitosis, etc.” The review cites a host of studies demonstrating the antimicrobial activity of garlic extracts against numerous bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Additionally, it shows that garlic extracts have been investigated in different contexts, such as denture stomatitis, dentinal tubule disinfection, and as an intracanal medicament. “These studies have contributed to understanding the antimicrobial role of garlic extract in comparison to synthetic agents like chlorhexidine,” the authors note. “However, most studies are in vitro, vary in methods, and lack clinical standardization, highlighting the need for further research to confirm garlic’s efficacy in dental practice. This uncertainty presents a significant gap in the literature on evidence-based antimicrobial therapies.” Original Source URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2210803325000648?via%3Dihub LEON BARKHO University Of Sharjah +971 50 165 4376 email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. 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Adding Mastisol Liquid Adhesive improves dressing durability, reduces changes, saves costs — with promising signs for infection prevention FERNDALE, Mich., Sept. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A multicenter randomized controlled trial published in Critical Care Medicine has found that adding Mastisol® Liquid Adhesive — a gum mastic adhesive marketed by Eloquest Healthcare — to standard jugular central line dressings cut dressing failure rates nearly in half, extended wear time more than twofold, and saved hospitals money, while suggesting potential infection-prevention benefits. Continue Reading Mastisol Liquid Adhesive doubles the wear time of internal jugular central line dressings. Summary of STICKY Trail highlights. The STICKY Trial, led by Nicole Marsh, RN, PhD, showed that Mastisol reduced premature dressing failure from 50% in the control group to 28% in the intervention group. Median wear time jumped from 23.8 hours to 58.5 hours, and fewer dressing changes resulted in an average per-patient savings of AUD $11.02 in material and labor costs. "Maintaining effective dressing securement of central venous catheters (CVCs) in intensive care is a clinical priority," said Dr. Marsh. "Our study demonstrated that Mastisol kept dressings intact longer and reduced unnecessary changes. That means the insertion wound stays continually protected from contamination, and the risk of catheter dislodgement is reduced as well." Why Jugular Lines Are a Challenge Jugular CVCs are among the hardest lines to keep securely dressed due to constant neck movement, limited space for dressing placement, and the pull of multiple infusion lines. Frequent dressing disruptions can increase the risk of the central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), which, based on current estimates, may add USD $48,000 to a hospital stay—though reported costs vary widely—and significantly raise patient morbidity and mortality. Mastisol provides extra adhesion at the dressing border, helping prevent edge lift and maintaining a consistent barrier to protect the insertion site. A Complementary Body of Evidence The STICKY Trial results align with a quality improvement initiative at the University of Virginia Health's cardiac surgical ICU, published in Critical Care Nurse in June 2025. Over three years, UVA reduced its CLABSI standardized infection ratio from 2.3 to 0.8 by implementing multiple measures — including improved dressing adherence with a chlorhexidine-compatible gum mastic adhesive. Together, these findings underscore the growing body of evidence that securement strategies using a gum mastic adhesive can help close a persistent gap in infection prevention. "Reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections requires evidence-based practice translated into action at the bedside," said Kathleen Vollman, MSN, RN, CCNS, FCCM, FAAN, critical care clinical nurse specialist consultant and current president of the World Federation of Critical Care Nurses. "The STICKY Trial provides rigorous randomized controlled evidence that dressing securement alone is not enough. By incorporating a gum mastic liquid adhesive like Mastisol and adhesive remover into central line care, nurses gain a practical, evidence-based tool to strengthen dressing integrity, safeguard patients, and drive meaningful, sustainable change in clinical practice." Economic Impact for U.S. Hospitals In Dr. Marsh's four study hospitals, with ~5,000 annual ICU admissions (and 60% of patients requiring one or more CVCs), Mastisol could save over AUD $33,000 annually in dressing-related costs. For a mid-to-large U.S. medical center with similar volumes, savings could be in the tens of thousands of dollars annually. With more than five million central venous catheters placed annually in the U.S., and the internal jugular vein among the most commonly used sites, the potential national cost savings are substantial. Why It Matters for Infection Prevention Fewer dressing changes mean fewer opportunities for site contamination. In the trial's microbiological substudy, insertion-site colonization rates were halved in the Mastisol group, reinforcing the need for larger infection-focused studies. As Vollman noted, the findings resonate beyond a single trial: "Every time we extend dressing life and reduce disruptions, we strengthen protection at the insertion site and simplify the nurse's workflow. That kind of evidence-based, practical improvement is how we create sustainable change at the bedside." Resources: Mastisol Scientific Infographic About Mastisol® Mastisol Liquid Adhesive is a latex-free, non-water-soluble gum mastic adhesive. Compatible with chlorhexidine, it is designed to secure dressings, tapes, and devices, helping prevent dressing lift and displacement that can expose insertion sites to contaminants. About Eloquest Healthcare Eloquest Healthcare, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Ferndale Pharma Group, Inc., offers simple solutions that enhance clinical outcomes, elevate quality of care, reduce total cost of care, and improve staff efficiency. More information is available at . Sidebar: Trial Highlights Dressing failure rate: Reduced from 50% → 28% Median wear time: Increased from 23.8 hrs → 58.5 hrs Cost savings: ~AUD $11 per patient in materials and nursing time Microbiological findings: 40% colonization in Mastisol group vs. 80% in standard care group (underpowered for statistical significance) References Marsh N, et al. Crit Care Med. 2025;53(2): e282-e293. AHRQ. 2017. Mazzeffi M, et al. Crit Care Nurse. 2025;45(3):11-22. Deere M, et al. StatPearls. 2023. Contacts: Liz Dowling Dowling & Dennis PR 760-822-3412 or Crysta Seneski Eloquest Healthcare, Inc. 248-586-8482 SOURCE Eloquest Healthcare WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED