Polyherbal Mucoadhesive Gel: A Promising Approach for the Treatment of Oral Candidiasis
Abstract
Oral candidiasis represents a prevalent opportunistic fungal infection in the mouth, primarily triggered by Candida albicans. It commonly impacts immunocompromised patients, denture users, individuals with diabetes, and those on extended antibiotic or corticosteroid treatments. Standard antifungal treatments like nystatin, clotrimazole, and fluconazole are commonly employed, yet their long-term application brings drawbacks such as antifungal resistance, systemic adverse effects, low adherence, and frequent relapses. These issues have sparked growing exploration of novel treatment options. Polyherbal mixtures featuring essential oils and plant-based active compounds deliver wide-ranging antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and tissue-repair benefits with minimal toxicity. Integrating these botanicals into mucoadhesive gel formulations boosts effectiveness by extending contact time at the infection site, enabling controlled release, and enhancing localized absorption. Gels formulated with polymers like Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) and Carbopol offer superior mucosal adhesion and shield irritated tissues from additional harm. Essential oils such as lemongrass, oregano, clove, and tea tree exhibit strong anti-Candida albicans effects via mechanisms like membrane disruption, biofilm prevention, and oxidative damage to fungi. This review covers the disease's pathophysiology, shortcomings of traditional therapies, the value of mucoadhesive delivery platforms, the promise of polyherbal strategies, and the role of essential oils in treating oral candidiasis. Ultimately, it posits that polyherbal mucoadhesive gels offer a safe, reliable, and potent option for targeted therapy of oral fungal infections.
Keywords: Oral candidiasis, Mucoadhesive gel, Polyherbal formulation, Essential oils, Candida albicans, Antifungal therapy.
Keywords:
oral candidiasis, mucoahesive gel, Polyherbal formulation., Essential oil, Candida albicans, Antifungal therapyDOI
https://doi.org/10.22270/jddt.v16i8.7889References
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