Despite the great biodiversity, Brazil invests little in herbal

According Anvisa, there are 400 registered phototherapy using as base 60 medicinal plants, of which only 10 national origin. During the 28th Brazilian Congress of Dentistry, in Anhembi, the dentists Kristiane Port Fernandes spoke about research being conducted in this area aimed at the dental practice.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says 80% of the population of developing countries make use of traditional practices in basic health care. In this universe, 85% use plants or prepared. Brazil, despite the widespread tradition of using plants for therapeutic purposes, has invested very little in this area. Result is that only 10 of the 60 plants registered by Anvisa are native.

During the 28th Ciosp - International Dental Congress of São Paulo, was taught by the course especialita "Alternative Therapies in Dentistry: Herbal Medicines," in which he explained some research in this area aimed at developing a dental practice.

According to the doctor, the main advantages of these drugs are the shortest time of development and low cost they demand. "As a traditional medicinal demand on average 15 years to be placed on the market, a herbal medicine takes 5-9 years," he explains.

One of the advances in this area was the launch of Ad-Muc, a cream for thrush is the core of chamomile. Compared to traditional steroid creams, this product promotes a more rapid healing of the wound in the oral mucosa.

Besides chamomile, many other plants have been the subject of research of herbal medicines, such as calendula (healing), malvisco (antibacterial), tincture of mastic (disinfectant), and green tea, that contain fluoride, can meet the need of product in communities without fluoridated water. "These plants are not yet suitable for clinical use, but studies indicate the existence of some therapeutic potential that, if properly researched, may be a source of innovation in health," says the expert.

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