Herbal Fast-Dissolving Oral Films: Bridging Phytotherapy and Innovative Drug Delivery

Fast-dissolving oral films (FDOFs), also known as oral thin films (OTFs) or mouth-dissolving films (MDFs), are innovative drug delivery systems designed to dissolve or disintegrate rapidly in the oral cavity without the need for water. These thin polymeric films offer advantages such as ease of administration, portability, improved patient convenience, and suitability for paediatric, geriatric, and dysphagic patients. Herbal fast-dissolving oral films have gained research interest as a potential approach for incorporating plant extracts and phytoconstituents into convenient oral dosage forms. They are generally formulated using natural or synthetic film-forming polymers, plasticizers, sweeteners, flavouring agents, and other suitable excipients. Various manufacturing techniques, including solvent casting and hot-melt extrusion, may be employed depending on the properties of the herbal ingredients and formulation components. The quality and performance of these films are assessed using parameters such as thickness, weight variation, folding endurance, surface pH, content uniformity, mechanical strength, disintegration time, drug release, and stability. Depending on the formulation and absorption pathway, the released constituents may produce local effects or undergo systemic absorption. However, improved bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy must be established experimentally. This review discusses the formulation components, polymer selection, manufacturing methods, packaging materials, evaluation parameters, advantages, limitations, and potential applications of herbal fast-dissolving oral films in pharmaceutical drug delivery.