An Innovative Approach in Treating Oral Inflammation
In the world of dentistry and pharmaceuticals, the search for effective treatments for inflammatory oral diseases remains one of the most pressing challenges. Every year, millions of people worldwide face periodontal diseases - from gingivitis to severe forms of periodontitis, often leading to tooth loss and other serious complications. Despite the variety of medicinal products on the market, the effectiveness of treating these diseases often remains insufficient. It is in this context that Ukrainian scientists have developed an innovative "Aloe-Dental" gel based on natural components, combining centuries of experience in traditional medicine with modern scientific achievements .
Inflammatory periodontal diseases are not just a local gum problem. Modern research demonstrates the connection between oral health and the overall condition of the body. Chronic gum inflammation can contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and complications during pregnancy.
Traditional treatments often contain antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs that can cause side effects or contribute to bacterial resistance. In this context, plant extracts are of particular interest to modern medicine.
However, creating an effective medicinal product based on plant components requires not only the correct selection of active ingredients but also an appropriate carrier base that will ensure optimal delivery of medicinal substances to affected tissues .
A research team consisting of Iroko Imamuzo Matthew, N. V. Khokhlenkova, and Yu. M. Stolper set out to develop an optimal carrier base for "Aloe-Dental" gel that would most effectively deliver medicinal substances to affected tissues in the oral cavity 1 .
Contains plant polyphenols with antimicrobial, membrane-stabilizing and hemostatic action
Has pronounced anti-inflammatory properties and accelerates tissue regeneration processes
The key task of the research was to find an optimal gelling agent that would provide not only the appropriate consistency of the preparation but also optimal release of active substances, long-term stability, and ease of application.
The study was conducted in several stages. First, the scientists tested various gelling agents of different nature (synthetic, semi-synthetic and natural) in different concentrations. The evaluation criteria were: structural and mechanical characteristics (viscosity, fluidity, stability), ability to release active substances, biocompatibility and storage stability.
Experimental studies showed that Carbomer 934 P at a concentration of 3% is the optimal gelling agent for this preparation. This semi-synthetic polymer created an ideal three-dimensional network that effectively held the active components and ensured their gradual release upon contact with the oral mucosa.
| Gelling Agent | Concentration | Stability | Release of Active Substances | Biocompatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbomer 934P | 3% | High | Controlled | Excellent |
| Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose | 5% | Medium | Fast | Good |
| Agar | 4% | Low | Slow | Excellent |
| Poloxamer | 10% | Medium | Very Fast | Satisfactory |
Creating an innovative gel required careful selection of not only active components but also excipients that would provide optimal properties of the preparation. Here are the main elements of the "scientific toolkit" used in the research:
Semi-synthetic polymer serving as a gelling agent. Creates an optimal three-dimensional structure that ensures preparation stability and controlled release of active substances.
Source of plant polyphenols (tannins) with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and hemostatic action. Effectively inhibits the growth of pathogenic microorganisms in the oral cavity.
Contains a complex of biologically active substances (acemannan, anthraquinones) with pronounced anti-inflammatory activity and stimulates tissue regeneration.
Ensure long shelf life of the preparation without loss of its medicinal properties.
Optimize the acid-base balance of the gel to minimize irritant effect on the oral mucosa.
Provide appropriate gel consistency and comfort when applied.
The development of "Aloe-Dental" gel on an optimally selected carrier base is important for the development of modern dentistry. This research demonstrates an effective approach to creating medicinal products based on natural components that combine high effectiveness and safety.
One of the key aspects is the multidirectional action of the preparation - thanks to the combination of oak bark and aloe extracts, the gel simultaneously fights infection, reduces inflammation, stops gum bleeding and promotes the restoration of damaged tissues.
It is also important to note that the selected carrier base (Carbomer 934P at 3% concentration) provides not only optimal release of active substances but also convenience in application - the gel adheres well to the gums, does not cause unpleasant sensations, and has a neutral taste.
The research on selecting the carrier base for "Aloe-Dental" gel is a vivid example of how modern science can effectively use natural components to create highly effective medicinal products. The carefully selected composition with Carbomer 934P as a gelling agent and optimal concentrations of oak bark and aloe extracts provides a wide spectrum of pharmacological activity with minimal side effects .
Future research in this direction will undoubtedly help expand the arsenal of dental products based on plant components, combining the wisdom of traditional medicine with the achievements of modern science.
Research conducted by: Iroko Imamuzo Matthew, N. V. Khokhlenkova, Yu. M. Stolper and published in the journal "Social Pharmacy in Health Care" (2016. - Vol. 2, No. 2. - P. 19-24) 1 .