AsianScientist (Apr. 19, 2011) – For most people, rinsing with mouthwash is world’s apart from drinking beer and wine. However, for the Islamic population in Southeast Asia, trace amounts of alcohol in mouthwash make these products non-Halal.
While many in the Islamic community use conventional mouthwash, the desirability of a Halal alternative exists.
To address this issue, researchers at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) have developed a mouthwash alternative, called SA-Cleanse, that is both non-alcoholic and plant-based.
The mouthwash is made by boiling the roots of a plant found throughout Asia, so the viability of SA-Cleanse would also provide a new crop for the agro-medical industry in Malaysia and surrounding countries.
On top of that, this mouthwash may help prevent mouth cancer.
In laboratory tests on human cell cultures ‘SA-Cleanse’ was found not only to have anti-bacterial properties, killing common oral microbes, but also the ability to suppress cancer proliferation.
The product was found to be safe for normal skin cells and non-toxic for the liver and kidneys, providing hope that there will be no risks in using it on a daily basis.
Researchers hope to start in vivo tests and apply the technology into potential treatments for common cancers such as cervical and prostate cancer.
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Source: Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.
