Search Results (5)

Objectives: This systematic review investigates the effectiveness of natural extracts with anti-inflammatory properties for improving oral health, particularly in managing gingivitis and periodontal disease (PD). With PD being a major global health issue, exacerbated by microbial dysbiosis and oxidative stress, the integration of phytochemicals and herbal formulations into periodontal therapy offers a promising avenue for adjunctive treatments. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines and registered under the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (ID: 641944). Databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, were searched between 18–24 December 2024, using Boolean keywords combining terms such as “herbal medicine”, “plant extracts”, “anti-inflammatory”, and “periodontal therapy”. Studies involving animal models, in vitro data, or non-peer-reviewed articles were excluded. Results: Seventeen studies met inclusion criteria. Polyherbal formulations and single-component extracts (e.g., Camellia sinensis, Punica granatum, Zingiber officinale, and Rosmarinus officinalis) demonstrated comparable efficacy to conventional agents like chlorhexidine (CHX). Polyherbal rinses, camellia sinensis gels, and extracts like Punica granatum reduced inflammation, improved gingival health, and showed antimicrobial properties, offering effective natural alternatives. Conclusions: Natural products, including single extracts and polyherbal formulations, provide effective and safe alternatives for managing gingivitis and PD. Their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties support their adjunctive role alongside with scaling and root planning therapy (SRP) in periodontal therapy. However, further large-scale, long-term studies are needed to standardize formulations and establish optimal protocols. Full article

The present work aimed to formulate and evaluate a polyherbal gel using Aloe barbadensis and extract of Vigna radiata for the treatment of acne, a disorder of the skin in which hair follicles and sebaceous glands are blocked, causing inflammation and redness of the skin. Aloe barbadensis pulp was collected and mixed with the extract of Vigna radiata and formulated into a gel using Carbopol 940, triethanolamine, and propylene glycol as the gelling agent, viscosity modifier, and pH modifier, respectively. The gel was evaluated for its antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. Antimicrobial agents, such as gentamycin and fluconazole, were used as the standards. The developed formulation showed promising zone of inhibition. The gel was further evaluated for its physicochemical properties. The formulation showed a promising effect on acne together with the additive effect of Aloe barbadensis on skin. Full article

Bergenin (BER), a key constituent of Bergenia crassifolia (Saxifragaceae), has gained extensive attention, owing to its array of pharmacological actions, including anti-infective, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, anti-urolithiatic, anti-hyperuricemic, and anti-bradykinin properties. Despite ever-intensifying support for its therapeutic features, the poor solubility, lower oral bioavailability, shorter half-life, and more intestinal pH degradation (pH 6.8 or above) of BER have puzzled researchers. To circumvent these pharmaceutical challenges, and to improve its therapeutic efficacy, newer approaches have been adopted by research scientists. Thus, a discussion of the existing literature may provide complete information about the advances in delivery strategies for enhancing its utility. This paper summarizes up-to-date works on the design and development of novel delivery carriers of this bioactive compound, such as phospholipid complexes, extended-release core tablets, prodrugs, herbal gels, polyherbal ointments, nanoparticles, and poly (lactic acid) polymers, with the objective of harnessing its full potential. This review also provides a deep insight into its bioactivities, along with mechanisms. Additionally, the physicochemical attributes, chemistry, and pharmacokinetics of BER are discussed herein. Hence, the comprehensive information documented in this review may introduce new avenues for research advancements of BER. Full article

Denture stomatitis (DS), usually caused by Candida infection, is one of the common denture-related complications in patients wearing dentures. Clove and cinnamon oils have been acknowledged for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial activity, and antifungal effects in the oral cavity. The aim of this study, therefore, was to prepare clove/cinnamon oils-loaded emulgel and to assess its efficacy in treating Candida albicans-associated denture stomatitis. Central composite design was adopted to formulate and optimize clove/cinnamon extracts-loaded emulgel. The formulated preparations were assessed for their physical appearance, particle size, viscosity, spreadability, and in-vitro drug release. In addition, in-vivo therapeutic experiments were conducted on 42 patients with denture stomatitis. The prepared emulgel formulations showed good physical characteristics with efficient drug release within 3 h. In addition, in-vivo antifungal studies revealed that the optimized formula significantly (p < 0.001) reduced Candida colony counts from the denture surface, compared to commercially available gel (240.38 ± 27.20 vs. 398.19 ± 66.73 CFU/mL, respectively). Furthermore, the optimized formula and succeeded in alleviating denture stomatitis-related inflammation with a better clinical cure rate compared to commercially available gel Collectively, herbal extracts-loaded emulgel might be considered an evolution of polyherbal formulations and might represent a promising alternative to the existing allopathic drugs for the treatment of denture stomatitis, with better taste acceptability and no side effects. Full article

Herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) infection is the most common cause of genital ulcers. The impact of ulcers also demonstrates a strong link to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Complications, drug resistance, and side-effects of anti-viral drugs make the treatment of HSV-2 infection challenging. Herbal medicines have shown potential against HSV-2 and HIV infections. In this context, polyherbal gel formulation comprising 50% ethanolic extracts from Acacia catechu, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Terminalia chebula and Phyllanthus emblica has been developed. The gel formulation significantly exhibited virucidal activity against both HIV-1 and HSV-2 infections with IC₅₀, 55.93 ± 5.30 µg/mL and 27.26 ± 4.87 µg/mL, respectively. It also inhibited HSV-2 attachment and penetration to the Vero cells with an IC₅₀ = 46.55 ± 1.25 µg/mL and 54.94 ± 2.52 µg/mL respectively, which were significantly lower than acyclovir. However, acyclovir is more potent in post-infection assay with an IC₅₀ = 0.065 ± 0.01 µg/mL whereas gel formulation showed an IC₅₀ = 469.05 ± 16.65 µg/mL under similar conditions. Gel formulation showed no inhibitory effect on the viability of lactobacilli, human vaginal keratinocyte cells (Vk2/E6E7), and the integrity of the Caco-2 cells monolayer. Gel formulation did not lead to any significant increase in the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mutagenic index. The proposed gel formulation may be a promising candidate microbicide for the prevention of sexually transmitted HIV-1 and HSV-2. Full article