Organisms responsible for the production of VSCs include proteolytic
obligate anaerobes, especially the gram-negative species that colonizes the subgingival plaque and
dorsum of the tongue (Kleinberg and Codipilly, 1995). Piper betle L. (Piperaceae) leaves have been traditionally
used in India and China in the prevention of oral malodor. The practice in India is to chew the leaves
alone or with areca nut and other spices such as cardamom, clove and cinnamon, which act as ‘‘breath
fresheners’’ and help in the prevention of halitosis.