Formulation, Evaluation and Anti-Bacterial Activity of Herbal Gel for Mouth Ulcer by Using Jasminum Officinale

Mouth ulcers, commonly known as canker sores, are painful lesions that can appear on various parts of the oral cavity, including the tongue, gums, and inner cheeks. These ulcers are often small, round, and grey with red or blistered borders, and are classified into three types: minor, major, and herpetiform, with minor ulcers being the most prevalent. Effective treatment focuses on reducing pain, promoting healing, and preventing bacterial infections.

Fig. no. 01 Types of mouth ulcers

Jasminum officinale, known as the common jasmine or simply, jasmine is a species of flowering plant in the olive family Oleaceae. It is also known as summer jasmine, poet's jasmine, white jasmine, true jasmine or jessamine, and is particularly valued by gardeners throughout the temperate world for the intense fragrance of its flowers in summer.

• Kingdom : Plantae
• Subkingdom : Viridiplantae
• Division : Tracheophyta
• Class : Magnoliopsida
• Order : Lamiales
• Family : Oleaceae
• Genus : Jasminum L
• Species : Jasminum Officinale   

Fig. no. 02 Jasminum Officinale

Uses of Jasminum officinale

Jasminum officinale, commonly known as jasmine, possesses a wide range of medicinal properties and therapeutic applications. Traditionally, it is used in the treatment of wounds, skin diseases, and particularly ulcers of the oral cavity. The leaves and their juice are especially effective in treating mouth ulcers and are also applied to clear corns. Beyond topical applications, Jasminum officinale is known to help alleviate stress-related conditions due to its calming and sedative effects. It acts as a natural remedy for various skin ailments and holds a reputed role as an aphrodisiac, aiding in the management of sexual health issues. The plant exhibits anti-secretory and antioxidant properties, which contribute to its effectiveness in treating peptic ulcers. Additionally, it demonstrates antibacterial action against pathogens such as Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus, making it valuable in treating infections like typhoid fever and staph-related conditions. Pharmacologically, jasmine is known to be analgesic, antiseptic, antidepressant, expectorant, astringent, stomachic, diuretic, depurative, stimulating, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anthelmintic, and antioxidant—making it a potent herb in both traditional and modern herbal medicine.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

The leaves of Jasminum officinale (family: Oleaceae) were locally collected from Sawantwadi, Maharashtra, and authenticated by the Head of the PG Department and Research Center of Botany, SPK Mahavidyalaya (Ref. No. 12-B/833/2025, dated 27-02-2025). After thorough washing with tap water, the leaves were shade-dried at room temperature for 10–15 days and then coarsely powdered using a grinding mill, followed by sieving through a 40-mesh sieve. The powdered leaves (250 g) were first defatted with petroleum ether and then subjected to Soxhlet extraction using ethanol/acetone for 36 hours at 40–50°C. The extract was concentrated by distillation under reduced pressure and vacuum dried using a rotary flash evaporator to obtain a semisolid extract.

Phytochemical Screening of Jasminum officinale Extracts

Table no. 01: Test results of Phytochemical Screening of Jasminum officinale Extracts

Formulation of gel:

The formulation of the herbal gel involved initially soaking Carbopol 934 in distilled water overnight to ensure complete hydration. This soaked Carbopol was then mixed with additional distilled water under continuous stirring using a mechanical stirrer to form a uniform gel base. Separately, two different solutions were prepared— one containing 1% w/v ethanol extract and the other 1% w/v acetone extract of Jasminum officinale, along with required quantities of preservatives: methyl paraben (0.2% w/v) and propyl paraben (0.02% w/v). Propylene glycol 400 (2% w/v) was added to enhance the gel’s consistency and skin penetration properties. These solutions were thoroughly mixed with the hydrated Carbopol gel base under continuous stirring. The final volume of each formulation was adjusted up to 30 ml with distilled water. Triethanolamine was gradually added to adjust the pH and to achieve the desired gel-like consistency. Two distinct formulations were thus prepared: EEJ-G (Ethanol Extract of Jasminum Gel) and AEJ-G (Acetone Extract of Jasminum Gel), each containing 1.5% w/v Carbopol 934 as the gelling agent.

Evaluation Parameters:

Visual Appearance: The gels were examined for color, clarity, transparency, texture, and the presence of any gritty particles through visual inspection.

pH Measurement: 1 g of gel was dispersed in 10 ml of distilled water and left undisturbed for 2 hours. The pH was measured using a digital pH meter, and the average of three readings was reported.

Homogeneity: After setting, the gels were visually inspected in their containers to check for uniformity and absence of lumps or aggregates.

Spreadability: Spreadability was determined using the glass slide method. The time (in seconds) taken for the slides to slip apart under a specified load was recorded.

Viscosity: Viscosity was measured using a Brookfield Viscometer (model LVDVE) with spindle number 96 at 10 rpm to determine the gel's consistency.

In-vitro Permeation Study: The release of extract from the gel was studied using a Franz diffusion cell with a cellophane membrane. The receptor chamber contained phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) at 37 ± 0.5°C. Samples were withdrawn at 1-hour intervals up to 6 hours and analyzed using a UV spectrophotometer.

Antimicrobial Activity: The antimicrobial efficacy was tested by the agar disc diffusion method against Bacillus subtilis (bacteria) and Aspergillus niger (fungi). Plates were inoculated with microbial suspension, and discs loaded with 0.5 g of gel were placed on the agar. ZOI (zone of inhibition) was measured after 24 hours (bacteria) and 5–7 days (fungi). All tests were performed in triplicate.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:

Table no. 02: Morphology of Jasminum officinale Leaves

Table no. 03: Visual Appearance of Jasminum Extract Gels

Table no. 04: pH and Viscosity of Jasminum Extract Gels

Table no. 05: Homogeneity and Spreadability of Jasminum Extract Gels

Table no. 06: In-vitro Permeation of Jasminum Extract Gels

Table no. 07: Antibacterial Activity Against Bacillus subtilis

Fig. no. 03 Antibacterial activity of prepared herbal gel

Table no. 08: Antifungal Activity Against Aspergillus niger

Fig. no. 04 Antibacterial activity of prepared herbal gel