Preparation and Evaluation of Herbal Oral Gel Containing Extract of Psidium guajava Leaves for Mouth Ulcer

Abstract

Mouth ulcers are a common oral condition causing discomfort and pain, often interfering with daily activities like eating and speaking. Conventional treatments, such as synthetic gels and medications, can sometimes result in side effects or high costs, which has led to growing interest in natural and herbal alternatives. Herbal formulations are known for their safety, affordability, and effectiveness.

Psidium guajava (guava) leaves have been widely recognized in traditional medicine for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. Rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and phenols, guava leaves offer promising potential for the treatment of mouth ulcers. In this study, an herbal oral gel was prepared using guava leaf extract as the active ingredient. The gel was formulated with excipients like carbopol for gelling, glycerin as a humectant, and triethanolamine to adjust pH.

Evaluation of the gel focused on parameters such as pH, viscosity, spreadability, and stability. Additionally, antimicrobial activity was tested against oral pathogens, and wound-healing properties were assessed to determine the gel’s effectiveness. Results indicated that the herbal oral gel had suitable physical properties, stable formulation, significant antimicrobial activity, and accelerated wound-healing effects.

In conclusion, the guava leaf-based herbal gel offers an effective, safe, and affordable alternative for managing mouth ulcers, with the potential to replace synthetic treatments. Further clinical studies could confirm its efficacy and facilitate its large-scale production for broader use.