Chewing gum containing allyl isothiocyanate from mustard seed extract is effective in reducing volatile sulfur compounds responsible for oral malodor.

Purpose: To evaluate the in vivo effect of chewing gum containing allyl isothiocyanate alone, and in combination with zinc salts on reduction of the level of volatile sulfur compounds responsible for oral malodor.

Methods: 15 healthy volunteers between the ages of 20-50 chewed either an experimental gum or a placebo gum for 12 minutes. Their mouth air was analyzed for volatile sulfur compounds by a gas chromatograph at baseline, immediately after chewing, and at 60, 120 and 180 minutes after treatment.

Results: The study revealed that allyl isothiocyanate, a constituent of mustard seed extract, can effectively reduce the concentration of volatile sulfur compounds in mouth air. Chewing gum containing 0.1% zinc lactate and 0.01% of allyl isothiocyanate eliminated 89%, 55.5%, 48% and 24% of the total VSC concentration immediately after chewing and at 1, 2, and 3 hours after chewing, respectively.