In a study published in the journal Frontiers in Oral Health, researchers demonstrated that a naturopathic mouthwash containing botanical extracts and propolis can selectively suppress periodontal pathogens without harming beneficial oral bacteria or soft tissue cells.
The findings suggest that StellaLife® VEGA® Oral Rinse (SL) may provide a gentler, more targeted approach to managing oral biofilms and preventing dysbiosis when compared with antiseptic rinses such as chlorhexidine (CHX) and LISTERINE® (LIS), which are known for broad-spectrum antimicrobial action.
SL is a mouthwash formulated from plant extracts including azadirachta, calendula, echinacea, and plantago. These ingredient have demonstrated antimicrobial properties in previous studies.
The in vitro and ex vivo study evaluated the effects of SL on a range of oral bacteria, including commensal species (Streptococcus oralis, S. gordonii, and Veillonella parvula) and disease-associated pathogens (Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis). Unlike CHX and LIS, which suppressed both harmful and beneficial bacteria indiscriminately, SL selectively inhibited F. nucleatum and P. gingivalis—reducing their viable counts by up to 1,000-fold—while allowing commensal species to recover and thrive.
When applied to a four-species biofilm model, SL reduced pathogen load without compromising the biofilm integrity of commensal species. Conventional rinses, by contrast, led to sparse biofilm formation across all species. In clinical ex vivo multispecies biofilms—representing over 80 bacterial taxa—SL, CHX, and LIS all disrupted biofilm structure and reduced bacterial viability. However, only SL preserved a microbial growth profile similar to the untreated control while still suppressing pathogenic black-pigmented colonies.
The study also evaluated the cytotoxic effects of the rinses on human gingival fibroblast spheroids, a 3D model mimicking native soft tissue. While CHX and LIS induced extensive cell death, SL-treated spheroids maintained viability and structural integrity comparable to untreated controls.
With growing evidence linking oral dysbiosis to systemic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, the demand for more refined, microbiome-friendly home care options is rising. This study positions SL as a candidate for broader clinical use, especially in contexts requiring long-term rinsing or post-surgical healing.
While further clinical trials are needed to validate efficacy in human populations, the in vitro evidence builds a compelling case for SL’s inclusion in protocols aiming to preserve oral health without collateral damage to host tissues or protective microbiota.
