Therapeutic potential of boric acid as a local drug delivery agent in periodontitis: a comprehensive systematic review and meta analysis Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
I am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Divine Aleru
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was reviewed?
This was a systematic review and meta-analysis focused on the therapeutic potential of boric acid as a local drug delivery agent in the treatment of periodontitis. The review evaluated the effects of subgingival boric acid application combined with non-surgical periodontal therapy, specifically examining its impact on periodontal parameters such as probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and gingival index (GI).
Who was reviewed?
The review assessed randomized controlled trials involving individuals diagnosed with periodontitis. The studies included participants aged 18-65, with a focus on the effects of boric acid applied locally as an adjunct to mechanical debridement (scaling and root planing, or SRP) in managing periodontal disease.
What were the most important findings?
The review revealed that boric acid, when used as a local adjunctive therapy to SRP, showed significant improvements in clinical outcomes over time, particularly in reducing probing pocket depth (PPD) and increasing clinical attachment level (CAL). These improvements were observed at the 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Specifically, at 6 months, the boric acid treatment group demonstrated a significant reduction in PPD and a significant increase in CAL compared to the control group. In contrast, no significant effects were found on the gingival index (GI) at any follow-up period, which may indicate limited effects on gingival inflammation. The review highlighted that boric acid’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties likely contributed to the positive effects on periodontal health, particularly in controlling periodontal pathogens and enhancing tissue regeneration.
What are the greatest implications of this review?
The greatest implication of this review is the potential for boric acid to serve as a valuable adjunct in periodontal treatment, particularly for patients who exhibit inadequate responses to conventional therapies. By improving PPD and CAL, boric acid offers a promising alternative or complement to existing treatments, with the added benefit of addressing microbial load and inflammation in periodontal tissues. The findings support the clinical application of boric acid, especially in resource-limited settings, where its low cost and favorable safety profile make it an accessible treatment option. However, the review also emphasizes the need for further research to standardize treatment protocols and optimize the formulation of boric acid for periodontal use.