Asialogogue(also spelledsialagogue,ptysmagogueorptyalagogue) is asubstance,especially amedication,that increases the flow rate ofsaliva.[1]The definition focuses on substances that promoteproduction or secretion of saliva(proximal causation) rather than any food that ismouthwatering(distal causation that triggers proximal causation).
Sialogogues can be used in the treatment ofxerostomia(the subjective feeling of having a dry mouth), to stimulate any functioningsalivary glandtissue to produce more saliva. Saliva has a bactericidal effect, so when low levels of it are secreted, the risk ofcariesincreases.[2]Not only this, but fungal infections such as oralcandidosisalso can be a consequence of low salivary flow rates. Thebuffereffect of saliva is also important, neutralising acids that cause tooth enamel demineralisation.
Usage in dentistry
editThe following are used in dentistry to treat xerostomia:[3]
- Parasympathomimetic drugsact on parasympatheticmuscarinic receptorsto induce an increased saliva flow. The M3 receptor has been identified as the principal target to increase salivary flow rates.[4]Pilocarpineis an example; the maximum dose of this drug is 30 mg/day. Contraindications include many lung conditions, such as asthma, cardiac problems, epilepsy and Parkinson's disease; side effects include flushing, increased urination, increase perspiration, and GI disturbances.
- Chewing guminduces stimulated saliva secretion of the minor salivary glands in the oral cavity. During mastication (chewing), the resultant compression forces acting on theperiodontal ligamentcause the stimulated release of gingival crevicular fluid. Further salivation can be also achieved by the stimulation of taste receptors (parasympathetic fibers from thechorda tympaniand thelingual nerveare involved).
- Malicandascorbic acidare effective sialogogues, but are not ideal as they cause demineralisation oftooth enamel.
Historical source from plants
editA tincture is prepared from the root of the pyrethrium (pyrethrum) or pellitory (a number of plants in theChrysanthemumfamily). It is found growing in Levant and parts of Limerick and Clare inIreland.The root powder was used as flavouring in tooth powders in the past.[5]
Herbs with sialogogue action
edit- Bloodroot(Sanguinariacanadensis)
- Blue flag(Irisversicolor)
- Cayenne pepper(Capsicumannuum)
- Centaury(Centauriumerythraea)
- Chilcoatl / Azteca gold root (Heliopsis longipes)
- Great yellow gentian(Gentianalutea)
- Jambu(Acmellaoleracea)
- Ginger(Zingiberofficinale)
- Northern prickly-ash(Zanthoxylumamericanum)
- Senega(Polygalasenega)
See also
editReferences
edit- ^Paris, John Ayrton(1825).Pharmacologia, al, The history of medicinal substances(6 ed.). Oxford University. p.199.
- ^Featherstone JD. Dental caries: a dynamic disease process. Aust Dent J. 2008 Sep;53(3):286-91. doi: 10.1111/j.1834-7819.2008.00064.x. PMID 18782377.
- ^Visvanathan V, Nix P. Managing the patient presenting with xerostomia: a review. International Journal of Clinical Practice. 2010 Feb;64(3):404–7.
- ^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.
- ^Jude, "Medicinal and Perfumery Plants and Herbs of Ireland", MH Gill and son, (1933) pp.36