Researchers used 500 mg wheatgrass extract to reduce acute dental pain in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. (iStock)

Wheatgrass extract outperforms NSAID in reducing irreversible pulpitis pain, study finds

by Oral Health
Researchers used 500 mg wheatgrass extract to reduce acute dental pain in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. (iStock)
Researchers used 500 mg wheatgrass extract to reduce acute dental pain in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. (iStock)
A randomized clinical trial suggests sublingual wheatgrass extract may reduce acute dental pain more effectively than a commonly prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

The study, published Feb. 4 in Odontology, compared the analgesic effects of sublingual wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) extract with piroxicam and a placebo. Researchers enrolled 45 patients aged 18 to 40 who presented with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis, with or without apical periodontitis.

The study comes as clinicians continue to rely on NSAIDs as the gold standard for managing acute dental pain. Ibuprofen, particularly at 600 mg, is widely used for post-endodontic pain because of its anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to outperform acetaminophen alone and many opioid combinations. However, there are cases where NSAIDs alone are not sufficient to fully control pain.

Method: Wheatgrass vs. piroxicam vs. placebo

Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups:

  1. 500 mg wheatgrass extract
  2. 20 mg piroxicam
  3. 20 mg sugar tablet (placebo)

For broader context on evidence-based pain control, see our coverage of pharmacological management of acute dental pain in pediatrics, including ADA guideline updates.

Pain intensity measurement

Pain intensity was assessed using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (0–10) before administration and again 30 minutes after treatment. Researchers also recorded the onset of analgesia. Statistical comparisons were conducted using one-way ANOVA, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results

Both wheatgrass and piroxicam produced significantly greater reductions in pain compared with placebo after 30 minutes. However, the wheatgrass group demonstrated a significantly greater decrease in pain scores than the NSAID group, suggesting a stronger short-term analgesic effect when administered sublingually.

For a clinical overview of irreversible pulpitis diagnosis and chairside management strategies, read our related feature.

Researchers’ recommendations

The authors conclude that wheatgrass extract may offer a rapid and effective option for managing acute dental pain associated with irreversible pulpitis. They note that larger, multi-centre trials are needed to confirm the findings but suggest plant-based therapies could emerge as adjuncts — or potential alternatives in select cases — to conventional NSAIDs in endodontic pain management.