Analgesic Efficacy of Phytotherapeutic Agents in Dental Pain Management: A Systematic Review

Background: Toothache represents one of the most common reasons patients seek emergency dental care. While conventional analgesics remain the standard of care, phytotherapeutic agents offer potential alternatives with possibly fewer side effects. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy, safety, and clinical applications of plant-derived analgesic compounds in dentistry. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across electronic databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science, for studies published between 15^th January 2015–25^th March 2025. Keywords included combinations of “phytotherapy,” “herbal medicine,” “plant extract,” “toothache,” “analgesic,” “visual analog scale (VAS),” and “dentistry.” Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), clinical trials, and systematic reviews were included. The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Results: A total of 21 studies met the inclusion criteria. The phytotherapeutic agents demonstrating the strongest analgesic properties in dental applications include clove oil (eugenol), turmeric (curcumin), capsaicin from chili peppers, ginger powder, capsaicin, jidabokuippo, cannabis, propolis, zingiber officinale, green tea, and punica granatum. Mechanisms of action range from inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis to modulation of inflammatory pathways and direct effects on nociceptors. Clinical applications included management of pulpitis, postextraction pain, temporomandibular disorders, and oral mucositis. Conclusion: Evidence supports the analgesic efficacy of several phytotherapeutic agents in toothache management, particularly eugenol, curcumin, and capsaicin. These offer promising alternatives or adjuncts to conventional analgesics, though standardization of preparations and larger RCTs are needed to establish optimal dosing regimens and long-term safety profiles.