α-Mangostin Hydrogel Film With Chitosan Alginate Base for Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS)

Topical medications are the primary option for addressing RAS (Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis) due to their affordability, effectiveness, and safety. These treatments encompass various forms such as mouthwashes, aerosols, lozenges, and ointments, available in liquid, solid, and semi-solid preparations. However, employing topical drugs faces challenges related to achieving desired therapeutic outcomes. A significant hurdle is the hindered delivery of drugs to the oral mucosa, often referred to as "saliva wash out," which leads to the removal and rinsing away of the drug from the mucosal surface. Efforts in developing drug delivery systems for RAS treatment are directed towards achieving several goals. These include prolonging the time drugs remain effective at the site of the ulcer, ensuring the release of adequate drug concentrations to the ulcer, and alleviating pain. Addressing this issue involves the creation of film formulations that can serve as a protective layer for the ulcer. Such formulations act as barriers against external stimuli while offering a certain degree of pain relief. An indigenous plant of Indonesia that has found application in traditional healing is the mangostin peel (Garcinia mangostana L.). α-mangostin, extracted from the rind of the mangosteen, has been employed in traditional medicine. Among its attributes, α-mangostin exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, functioning effectively by impeding the inflammatory response. This characteristic positions α-mangostin as a viable alternative compound for addressing RAS management. To facilitate the delivery of α-mangostin, a combination of two mucoadhesive polymers, specifically sodium alginate and chitosan, is utilized as a drug delivery system. In earlier studies, the development and analysis of a hydrogel film containing α-mangostin, utilizing a chitosan-alginate foundation, were conducted to explore their potential for treating RAS in vivo. These experiments involved testing on white Wistar rats, resulting in a remarkable 93% healing rate by the seventh day. Consequently, additional research focusing on the chitosan-alginate based α-mangostin hydrogel film will progress to clinical and safety trials. The objective is to establish its effectiveness among RAS patients and assess its suitability as a readily applicable treatment option.