Sanguinarine, a component of sanguinaria extract, was investigated for anti-plaque activity and retention in the oral cavity. Oral rinses containing sanguinaria extract showed antiplaque activity in humans. Uptake and retention levels of sanguinarine in plaque and saliva were determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography and sanguinarine levels in plaque were higher than in vitro minimum inhibitory concentrations against oral aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Further, sanguinarine was able to disclose plaque with the aid of long-wave ultraviolet light and was retained longer than erythrosine and sodium fluorescein as shown by measurement of plaque area. It was concluded that sanguinarine has a high specificity and retention in dental plaque. The plaque-retentive properties in combination with antimicrobial action may be responsible for its clinical anti-plaque efficacy.

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