Sialogogue

A sialogogue, sialagogue, ptysmagogue or ptyalagogue is a drug or substance that increases the flow rate of saliva.[1]

Sialogogues can be used in the treatment of xerostomia (the subjective feeling of having a dry mouth), to stimulate any functioning salivary gland tissue to produce more saliva. Saliva has a bactericidal effect, so when low levels of it are secreted, the risk of caries increases. Not only this, but fungal infections such as oral candidosis also can be a consequence of low salivary flow rates. The buffer effect of saliva is also important, neutralising acids that cause tooth enamel demineralisation. The following are used in dentistry to treat xerostomia:[2]

Historical source from plants

A tincture is prepared from the root of the pyrethrium (pyrethrum) or pellitory (a number of plants in the Chrysanthemum family). It is found growing in Levant and parts of Limerick and Clare in Ireland. The root powder was used as flavouring in tooth powders in the past.[4]

Some of the pyrethrin extracts find use as relatively environmentally benign insecticides.

Herbs with sialogogue action

References

  1. Paris, John Ayrton (1825). Pharmacologia, al, The history of medicinal substances (6 ed.). Oxford University. p. 199.
  2. Visvanathan V, Nix P. Managing the patient presenting with xerostomia: a review. International Journal of Clinical Practice. 2010 Feb;64(3):404–7.
  3. Melvin JE, Yule D, Shuttleworth T, Begenisich T. REGULATION OF FLUID AND ELECTROLYTE SECRETION IN SALIVARY GLAND ACINAR CELLS. Annual Review of Physiology. 2005 Mar 17;67(1):445–69.
  4. Jude, "Medicinal and Perfumery Plants and Herbs of Ireland", MH Gill and son, (1933) pp.36
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