Goji berry mouthwash reduced gum inflammation, plaque, and bleeding about as well as chlorhexidine (the gold standard antimicrobial rinse) when used alongside professional cleaning. The one real difference: goji berry increased antioxidant levels in saliva, which chlorhexidine didn't do—but we don't yet know if that matters for actual skin or gum health.

60 people with gum disease were split into two groups: one used goji berry mouthwash, the other used chlorhexidine. Both groups also got professional scaling and root planing. Researchers measured inflammation, plaque, bleeding, and antioxidant levels at baseline, 15 days, and one month.

Funding not disclosed in abstract