Formulation And Evaluation of Herbal Mouth Ulcer Gel

Aphthous stomatitis, also known as a Mouth Ulcer, is a condition that lining of mouth and causes painful sores that come back regularly in the mouth and throat.^[1] Mouth ulcer can be caused by various factors, including accidentally biting the inside of the cheek, allergic reaction to certain foods, brushing to hard, hormonal changes, lack of vitamins, bacterial infection, and underlying health conditions^.[2]

Gels are semisolid substances made by thickening a ingredients. They are commonly used on the skin or to help medicines pass through the skin into the body. Gels can also be applied to mucous membranes for localized treatment^.[3] A mouth ulcer is a small, round sore or wound that can appear red, yellow, white or grey in colour. It forms on soft lining inside the mouth, most often on the inner side of the lips or cheeks^.[4]

Herbal medicines are becoming more popular due to their natural origin and fewer side effects compared to allopathic (conventional) medicines, leading to higher patients acceptance. However, there are still concerns about their safety, effectiveness, and quality, which are important issues for both industrialized and developing nations. It’s noteworthy that around 1.42 billion people-about a quarter of world’s population-rely on traditional medicines to treat a wide range of health conditions^.[3]

5. Types of Oral Ulcers Based on Lesion Size :

1. Minor Ulcers : These are small ulcers, typically ranging from 2 to 8 millimeters in diameter. They are usually mild in pain and tend to heal on their own within 1 to 2 weeks without leaving scars.
2. Major Ulcers : Larger and deeper than minor ones, major ulcers often have irregular or raised edges. They may take longer to heal and can be more painful and persistent.
3. Herpetiform Wounds: These are collections of pinhead-sized lesions that typically occur near one another.

4. Ulcerative Conditions : Mouth sores are quite common and often result form physical damage like ill-fitting dentures, sharp or broken teeth, or dental fillings^.[5]

5. A number of things can lead to mouth ulcers, such as:

1. Toothpastes and mouthwashes with sodium lauryl sulfate : This common foaming agent can irritate the lining of the mouth in some people.
2. Emotional or mental stress : High stress levels can weaken the immune system, making the mouth more prone to ulcers.
3. Hormonal fluctuations : Changes in hormone levels, such as those during menstruation or pregnancy, can trigger ulcers in some individuals.
4. Lack of essential nutrients : Mouth sores can develop as a result of vitamin deficiencies, including those in folic acid, iron, and vitamin B12
5. Physical irritation : Injuries from the sharp teeth, dental applience, Or accidental bite can cause ulcer .
6. Viral infection :  Viruses such as herbs, simplex can lead to painful sores in the mouth.
7. Allergic reactions and sensitivities :  certain foods or ingredients can trigger ulcer formation in sensitive individuals.
8. Family history : A genetic predisposition can increase the likelihood of developing mouth ulcer
9. Infection :  Both bacterial and viral infection can cause ulceration in the mouth.
10. Underlying medical issue : Conditions like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or autoimmune disorders may be associated with recurring mouth ulcer^.[5]
11. Herbs used in mouth ulcer :

1) Guava :

Guava leaves are shaped somewhere between oval and oblong, typically measuring 7 to 15 centimeters in length and 3 to 5 centimeters in width. They grow in pairs directly across from each other On the stem are attached by short stalks called petioles.  The leaves have tough, leathery texture with a broad surface, Dark green color and subtle white veins. Some leaves may also show light Brown spots. When crushed guava leaves give off a fragnant, smell similar to the guava fruit. These leaves grow on a small tree with spreading branches and bark that peels away in flakes, revealing the greenish layer underneath^.[3]

Fig.1-Guava leaves

• Taxonomical classification :

Kingdom : plantae

Sub Kingdom : viridiplantae

Intra kingdom : Streptophyta

Superdivision : Embryophyta

Division : traqueophyta

Subdivision : Spermatophytina

Class :  Magnoliopsida

Super order : Rosanae

Family : Myraceae

Genus : Psidium

Species : P. guajava ^[6,7]

• Chemical Constituents :

It contains tannin, resin and crystals of calcium oxalate. Leaves contain quercetin, resins, fat, cellulose, tannin, volatile oil, chlorophyll, and mineral salt vitamin C, vitamin B, antioxidant tannin. ^[3,8,9]

Quercetin

• Medicinal properties :

Antiulcer

Anti oxidant

Antibacterial.

Anti inflammatory

Anti cancer

And fungal.

Anti microbial.

Anti tumor.

Anti allergic.

Anti hyperglycemic

Anti mutagenic. ^[10]

2)Polyalthia Longifolia :

Polyalthia Longifolia known as false Ashoka and mast tree,This plant, which is a member of the Annonaceae family, is employed in many indigenous medical systems. ^[11]

Fig.2-Polyalthia longifolia

1. Taxonomical classification :

Kingdom : Plantae

Division : Magnoliophyta

Class : Magnoliopsida

Order : Magnoliales

Genus : Polyalthia

Botanical name : Plyalthia longifolia cv. Pendula. ^[12]

2. Chemical Constituents :

Sesquiterpenes : allo-aromadendrene (19.7%, 7.4%), caryophyllene oxide (14.4%), β-selinene (8.6%, 7.9%), α-copaene (8.7%), α-muurolol (8.7%), viridiflorene (8.1%), α-guaiene (7.8%), α-humulene (7.0%),ar-curcumene (6.8%), δ-cadinene (7.0%), sesquiterpenoid

Monoterpenes: α-pinene (0.5%), camphene (trace). ^[13]

Allo-aromadendrene

3. Medicinal properties :

Anti ulcer

Antimicrobial

Antioxidant

Antibacterial

Anti-inflammatory

Anticancer

Antifungal

Anti-leishmanial

Antiviral

Analgesic activity ^[14]

3) Turmeric :

Turmeric is the common name for Curcuma longa. Curcuma longa, a member of the Zingiberaceae family, is the biological source of turmeric. Its rhizomes contain important natural compounds called curcuminoids, which include curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. These curcuminoids make up about 3-6% of the rhizome and are known for their antioxidant properties. Among them,The most common component, curcumin, gives turmeric its characteristic yellow hue. ^[15]

Fig.3-Turmeric

50. Chemical Constituents:

The rhizomes contain important chemical compounds called curcuminoids, that include curcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin and demethoxycurcumin. ^[15]

Curcumin

4. Medicinal Properties :

Analgesic

Anti-inflammatory

Antiseptic

Anticarcinogenic

Antioxidant

Antibacterial

Immunomodulatory ^[16]

4) Aloevera :

Aloe vera belonging to the family liliaceae is commonly known as “aloe gel”. Aloe barbadensis is the biological source of aloe vera.^{. [17,18]}

Fig.4-Aloevera

5. Chemical Constituents :

Aloe vera contains anthraquinones, saccharides, prostaglandins, fatty acids, enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, cholesterol, triglycerides, steroids, uric acid, lignins, beta-sitosterol, gibberellin, and salicylic acid. Plant are aloin, isobarbaloin, and emodin^{. [18]}

Salicylic acid

6. Medicinal Properties :

Wound healing

Anti-inflammatory

Antibacterial

Antifungal

Antioxidant

Antitumor

Immune boosting ^[16]

5) Capsicum :

Capsicum is made from the dried fruts of two plants : Capsicum annuum and the smaller fruits of Capsicum frutescens. It is a member of the Solanaceae (nightshade) family.

Fig.5-Capsicum

7. Chemical Constituents :

The main ingredients that give capsicum annuum its fiery flavor and color are capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and paprika oleoresin.

Capsaicin

50. Medicinal Properties :

Mouth Ulcers

Gas in the stomach

Cramps

Stomach pain

Diarrhoea  ^[19]

5. Method of preparation of simple herbal gel: ^[5]