Effect of Zanthoxylum Zanthoxyloides Root on Quantity and Qualityof Saliva Secretion in Healthy Adults
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71637/tnhj.v25i2.1045Keywords:
Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides , Chewing stick, Saliva , Healthy adultsAbstract
Background: Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides (fagara) root is a popular chewing stick reputed to increase saliva production. However, there is no report on the characteristics of the saliva it stimulated. The effect of fagara on the quality and quantity of saliva secretion in healthy adults was therefore studied.
Methods: The Large sample approximate method was used to determine the 24 Healthy adults (12 males and 12 females) included in the study. Sample collections were done in two visits. On day 1, basal saliva was collected before chewing sugarless gum for 2 minutes, the mouth was rinsed with water and another sample was collected as stimulated. The procedure was repeated at the second visit with fagara chewing stick substituting the sugarless gum. Volume, flow rate, pH, amylase activity, total protein, electrolytes, and oxidative stress biomarkers were determined in the saliva samples.
Results: Saliva production was increased by sugarless gum (29.84%) and fagara (584.98%) compared with basal. The increase produced by fagara was about 20 times higher than that of sugarless gum. Salivary flow rate also increased in similar pattern. Sugarless gum and fagara increased saliva pH while total protein was not different. Markers of oxidative were not affected while salivary amylase activities were significantly reduced after chewing fagara. Sodium and chloride levels increased while calcium and potassium were not different following fagara exposure.
Conclusion: Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides increases saliva volume, flow rate and pH, reduces salivary amylase activity and altered electrolytes through mechanism that is beyond the mechanical stimulatory effect of chewing.
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