A method of inhibiting or reducing inflammation in a mammal comprises administering MCP or similar Gal-3 binding moiety with honokiol in a range of about 8-10:1, by weight, MCP to honokiol. By pursuing complimentary pathways, a synergistic combination is achieved, where the reduction or degree of inflammation inhibition is greater than would be expected by the added administration of these two agents. The inflammation may be manifested as gingivitis, which may be addressed by a preparation comprising honokiol and MCP, or an MCP equivalent, in the indicated range by weight, where they are in the form of an oral rinse, lozenge, sucking candy, toothpaste or tablet.