Assessment of Anti-Inflammatory and Cytotoxic Property of Herbal Gel Containing Saffron, Withania Somnifera, Dry Ginger, and Tulsi Against Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: An In Vitro Study

Abstract

Background: Oral ulcers are frequent ulcerative conditions in the oral cavity that cause pain, recur often, and negatively impact quality of life. Aim and Objective: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of herbal extracts containing saffron, Withania somnifera, dry ginger, and tulsi as anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic agents for treating oral ulcers. Materials and Methods: A blend of 1 g each of tulsi, Withania somnifera, and dry ginger powders was mixed with 100 ml of distilled water and heated at 50 to 60 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes. The anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities were tested by adding 5 ml of the extract to a gel composed of 5 g of carboxylate methyl cellulose and carbopol. The anti-inflammatory properties of the herbs were assessed using the Membrane Stabilization Assay, BSA Assay, and EA Assay, while the cytotoxic effect was evaluated using the Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay. Results: The Membrane Stabilization Assay at concentrations of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 micrograms/ml showed values of 53, 64, 77, 79, and 85, respectively. The BSA Assay results were 42, 56, 67, 75, and 77, and the EA Assay results were 54, 61, 65, 69, and 78. The P values were 0.658 for the Membrane Stabilization Assay, 0.281 for the BSA Assay, and 0.647 for the EA Assay. These values indicate that the herbal ingredients’ cytotoxic activity is comparable to the standard. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the natural components of medicinal herbs can effectively treat oral ulcers, improving patients’ quality of life. Thus, herbal medicines can be used alongside commercially available allopathic drugs.

Keywords

• zingiber officinale
• holy basil
• oral ulcers
• quality of life
• saffron
• withania somnifera