Mucoadhesive Polyvinyl Alcohol Film Containing <i>Fridericia chica</i> Extract for Mucositis Treatment: Pharmacological Evaluation and Active Compounds Release

Oral mucositis is a frequent and painful complication of cancer therapy with limited effective options. This study evaluated a mucoadhesive polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film containing 2.5% Fridericia chica extract as a novel strategy. The formulation was characterized for antioxidant activity, phenolic and flavonoid content, and reactive species scavenging. Nanostructure size and morphology were assessed by DLS and TEM. Biological assays included antimicrobial activity, ex vivo release (Franz cells), and cytotoxicity in HGF-1 and HaCaT cells. The film showed antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against Candida spp. and bacterial strains, and showed no cytotoxicity up to 62.5 µg/mL. Particles were nanometric (245.5 nm), monodisperse, with a zeta potential of -11.13 mV. 3-Deoxyanthocyanidins and luteolin permeated the porcine esophageal membrane, indicating that PVA did not hinder compound release. The F. chica + PVA film may improve mucosal adhesion and sustain delivery, representing a promising alternative for mucositis treatment.