Calendula Extract Adjunct with Chlorhexidine/D-Panthenol Bioadhesive Gels: A Promising Combined Therapy for Accelerating Wound Healing in Postoperative Palatal Surgery Patients

BackgroundPostoperative complications usually occur after palatal surgeries. Nowadays, using nontraditional or comprehensive treatment methods is increasing. Since ancient times based on traditions, people have utilized plant products to speed up the wound healing process. Recently, researchers have focused on natural compounds that have been used as wound healing promoters such as Calendula officinalis (CAL). Moreover, D-panthenol (DPA) is a promising compound that can be combined with CAL to accelerate wound healing. In addition, Chlorhexidine (CHX) is commonly used as a routinely applied antimicrobial in dental procedures. Thus, the present study intends to develop, characterize, and assess a combination topical treatment of CAL extract with CHX and DPA in a newly developed bioadhesive gel-based system for the quick recovery of postoperative palatal surgery patients. ResultsThe modified bioadhesive-prepared gels showed broad spectrum antibacterial and antifungal activity. Moreover, they demonstrated favorable palatability and strong mucoadhesive properties. Furthermore, prepared gel formulations exhibited optimal pH for oral wound healing, as well as adequate spreadability. Lastly, clinical trial results confirmed that the combined topical therapy showed promising results in improving wound healing in patients after palatal surgery. ConclusionIn conclusion, the combined topical therapy of CAL and CHX/DPA mucoadhesive gels could be valuable and promising in accelerating wound healing for postoperative palatal surgery patients. Further studies are needed to ascertain the enduring stability and shelf-life of the gel formulation under various storage conditions.