A critical comparison of the numerous clinical studies on sanguinarine indicates an extreme divergence of reported effects on plaque/gingivitis, ranging from significant reductions to findings of no detectable effect. These equivocal findings stem from numerous short-term studies and fewer long-term studies employing divergent experimental methods. The long-term performance of the sanguinarine mouthrinse or dentifrice, alone or in combined use, still remains to be firmly demonstrated and replicated. The majority of clinical trials fail to demonstrate consistent clinical benefits from the use of this agent.