BIBLIOMETRIC STUDY OF DENTAL RESEARCH ON HERBAL MEDICINES

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the scientific production of Brazilian dental research involving herbal medicines through a bibliometric study. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by means of indirect observation of abstracts published at the Annual Meeting of the Brazilian Society for Dental Research in the period between 2006 and 2010. Studies were characterized according to year, region of origin, plant species studied, pharmacological activity, field of knowledge, study design, funding received and funding agency. Data collection was carried out by two examiners who used a specific form to record the data. Information was analyzed by Epi Info and underwent descriptive statistics. Results: The sample consisted of 292 works (1.8%), most of which were performed in Southeastern Brazil (59.6%), mainly in São Paulo (51.3%). The most frequently pharmacological activity assessed was the antimicrobial effect (62.7%), followed by tissue repair activity (14.4%). In vitro studies accounted for 63.4% and in vivo study model with rats was the most used (96.2%). Conclusion: A few studies approaching medicinal plants in dentistry may be found. Therefore, there is a need for further research with greater scientific evidence level such as randomized clinical trials, in order to confirm the pharmacological properties of different plant species and to confirm or refute possible adverse effects, thus providing more security for the use of these drugs. DESCRIPTORS: Phytotherapy. Plant Extracts. Dental Research. Meeting Abstracts.