A Comprehensive Overview of Herbal Mucoadhesive Oral Gels For Treatment Of Mouth Ulcers

ABSTRACT

Mucoadhesive oral gels have gained significant attention in recent years as a localized medication delivery method that works well for treating mouth ulcers, which affect 20–25% of people in general at some point in their lives. By incorporating polymers such as carbopol, HPMC or chitosan, these gels form an intimate bond with the moist oral mucosa, creating a protective film that shields the lesion from mechanical irritation, saliva dilution and secondary infection. These formulations adhere to the oral mucosa, ensuring prolonged contact time and sustained drug release at the site of the lesion, thereby improving therapeutic outcomes and patient compliance. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of herbs used for mouth ulcers such as Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice), Ocimum sanctum (tulsi), Punica granatum (pomegranate peel), and Mentha piperita (peppermint). Collectively, these herbs deliver a synergistic phytochemical profile, glycyrrhizic acid and ursolic acid provide potent anti‑inflammatory and antiviral actions, eugenol and rosmarinic acid offer rapid analgesia and broad‑spectrum antimicrobial action while ellagitannins and menthol accelerate epithelial regeneration and impart a cooling, soothing sensation. This article also describes about herbal mucoadhesive gel preparation method and evaluation parameters such as pH, viscosity, spreadability, mucoadhesive strength, and stability, and gives basic knowledge that polyherbal approach offers a safer alternative with fewer side effects and supports the growing preference for natural, plant-based treatments in modern healthcare compared to conventional mouth ulcer treatments.

Keywords: Mucoadhesive oral