Abstract
Oral ulcers are a common problem across most age-groups, having limited treatment modalities such as gels, solutions, and creams. Mucoadhesive patches containing chemical agents have been studied. However, there is scanty literature on the incorporation of a natural agent into the drug delivery system for the treatment of oral ulcers. Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), a medicinal plant well known for its healing properties, shows immense potential for the treatment of oral ulcers. The aim of this study is to develop and characterize a mucoadhesive patch containing Amla bark and fruit extracts and assess its physicochemical properties and wound healing efficacy. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phytocompounds having antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiulcerogenic, and various other medicinal properties. The mucoadhesive patches were formulated using the solvent casting method. The patches were then subjected to in vitro tests such as folding endurance, swelling index (SI), mucoadhesive strength, tensile strength, moisture absorption (MA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and revealed optimal results. Assessment of the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay of the extracts revealed that 25 µg/mL was the maximum safest therapeutic dose for human oral fibroblasts. A wound healing assay revealed that in a 12-hour period, the ethanolic extracts of P. emblica bark and fruit at 10 µg/mL concentration demonstrated an enhanced wound closure rate with values of 50.12% and 67.44%, respectively. Both extracts exhibited 100% wound healing after 24 hours. This study supports the ethnopharmacological relevance of P. emblica in oral ulcer treatment, highlighting its potential as a wound healing agent. The findings justify further development and clinical evaluation of P. emblica mucoadhesive patches for the treatment of oral ulcers. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Jairam LS, Deveswaran R, Khan FA, et al. Development and Characterization of an Oral Mucoadhesive Patch Containing Amla (Phyllanthus emblica) Bark and Fruit Extracts to Promote Healing of Oral Ulcers: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2025;18(10):1234-1242.