Review on Hydrogel-Based Herbal Oral Ulcer Patches

Oral ulcers are a common and painful condition affecting the mucosal lining of the oral cavity. They can result from a variety of causes, including mechanical trauma, nutritional deficiencies, infections, or underlying systemic diseases. Conventional treatments, such as corticosteroids and antiseptics, often provide temporary relief but are associated with side effects and limited patient compliance. In recent years, there has been growing interest in herbal therapies due to their natural origin, safety profile, and multifunctional therapeutic actions. Herbal ingredients such as aloe vera, licorice, gotu kola, and honey possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties, making them ideal candidates for oral ulcer management. The development of herbal oral ulcer patches offers a promising approach by enabling localized, sustained delivery of active phytoconstituents directly to the ulcer site. These patches not only provide therapeutic benefits but also protect the affected area from mechanical irritation and secondary infection. This review aims to explore various herbal ingredients commonly used for oral ulcers, discuss formulation strategies for herbal patches, and highlight key evaluation parameters such as mucoadhesive strength, drug release, and stability. By compiling current findings and advancements, this paper emphasizes the potential of herbal oral patches as an effective, patient-friendly alternative in the management of oral ulcers.