Use of Arrowroot in Dentistry- A Review

Abstract

Arrowroot is a source of unconventional starch that is known to have various therapeutic benefits.Maranta arundinacea or arrowroot possess various chemical components such as alkaloids, glycosides, phenotypic compounds, saponins, phenols, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium and vitamin B that helps in improving circulation and metabolism. It is famously used as a traditional remedy for athlete’s foot skin infection, UTIs and diarrhoea as well.The potential of arrow root has not been fully utilized mainly due to lack of knowledge on its technological and functional properties. Several studies have shown that these properties make it ideally suited to treating oral pain including Gingivitis. It also has anti inflammatory properties that could be used to cure a range of inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity. It is well known and said to be administered by boiling in water or seasoned with milk. It is said to cure patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Some studies also reveal that it decreases cholera – induced net water secretion, by reviewing various articles, this study may be helpful in determining the efficiency of properties of a natural substance when introduced with the help of nanotechnology. The relevant articles used for this study were collected from the year 2000-2019. In future, nano-technology can develop dose-dependent formulation consisting of arrow root as the major component and associate it with other compounds to target gingival inflammation and other periodontal problems.