Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Oral Care Products Using Alum and Clove Oil (Mouthwash)
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Abstract
Oral ulcers create severe pain in the oral mucosa and will severely limit eating and speaking. While conventional treatment of oral ulcers through topical anesthesia or steroid application can provide temporary symptom relief, these applications have the potential for long term adverse effects. This article describes the development of a herbal mouth wash comprised of Syzygium aromaticum (clove oil), KAl(SO₄)₂·12H₂O (alum), glycerin, sorbitol, citric acid, sodium benzoate, and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) designed to provide rapid relief from pain; reduce inflammation; enhance wound closure and facilitate oral hygiene. Syzygium aromaticum has been shown to be effective in providing significant antimicrobial/antifungal activity and analgesia due to its high eugenol content. Alum was chosen because it provides both astringency and hemostasis which enhance wound closure. Sorbitol and glycerine function as humectants to maintain moisture within the solution. Citric acid ensures the solution remains at an optimal pH for its intended use. Sodium benzoate functions as a preservative extending the shelf life of the product. SLS creates the foam component of this product and facilitates cleaning the teeth. Three different formulations (F1, F2 & F3) were developed, tested for their organoleptic characteristics, pH level, viscosity, foam volume created by each formula, and tested for antimicrobial properties utilizing the agar-well-diffusion technique. Additionally, all three formulas underwent accelerated-stability studies. The most stable formula (F3) had a pH level of 5.8, sufficient viscosity for oral use, created a zone of inhibition of 15mm around it when tested against several common pathogens found on the oral cavity and showed acceptable physical-chemical stability throughout the test period.
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