Improved Oral Films With Olive Leaf and Thyme Oil for Fighting Germs

Jim Crocker
4th February, 2025

Improved Oral Films With Olive Leaf and Thyme Oil for Fighting Germs

The successful release of thyme essential oil from the sodium alginate/okra gum microcapsules is demonstrated by their visible structural breakdown and loss of color after a 24-hour study (b) compared to their intact, pre-release state (a).

Image adapted from: Goktas et al. / CC BY (Source)

Key Findings

  • Researchers at Ege University developed mucoadhesive oral films combining olive leaf extract (OLE) and microencapsulated thyme essential oil (TEO) for improved drug delivery
  • The films showed strong antioxidant and antiviral properties, reducing Poliovirus Type 1 by 32.39% and Murine Norovirus by 54.29%, while being safe for fibroblast cells
  • The films demonstrated good physical properties, prolonged adhesion to oral mucosa, and controlled release of active compounds, but require further optimization for stronger antibacterial effects
The study conducted by researchers at Ege University[1] introduces a novel approach to oral drug delivery systems by developing mucoadhesive films containing olive leaf extract (OLE) and microencapsulated thyme essential oil (TEO). These films are designed to offer enhanced bioactivities, including antioxidant and antiviral properties, while maintaining desirable physical and mucoadhesive characteristics. This innovative system addresses challenges in drug delivery, such as improving stability, bioavailability, and compatibility with the oral mucosa. To create these films, the researchers first optimized the microencapsulation of TEO using sodium alginate and okra gum. Microencapsulation is a technique that encases active substances within a protective material, preventing degradation and ensuring controlled release. The optimization process employed a statistical method called the Box-Behnken design, which evaluated variables such as flow rate, potential difference, and nozzle-to-collector distance. The resulting microcapsules demonstrated effective encapsulation, aligning with earlier research that highlighted the potential of encapsulated essential oils for enhanced stability and antimicrobial activity[2]. This step also builds on prior findings regarding the utility of biopolymers like alginate for drug delivery systems due to their biocompatibility and mucoadhesive properties[3]. The next phase of the study involved incorporating OLE into the mucoadhesive films. OLE is a natural extract rich in bioactive compounds like oleuropein, known for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties[4]. The film formulation was optimized using another Box-Behnken experimental design to balance components such as Carbopol 934, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and polyethylene glycol. These polymers were chosen for their ability to influence critical film attributes, including viscosity, pH, disintegration time, and mechanical strength. The resulting films were fabricated through solvent casting and subsequently characterized for various physical and functional properties. The finalized films exhibited several desirable attributes, including good tensile strength, flexibility, and compatibility with the oral mucosa. They also demonstrated prolonged mucoadhesion time, essential for ensuring the sustained release of active compounds at the site of application. These findings align with previous studies that emphasized the importance of mucoadhesive properties in improving the residence time of drug delivery systems[3]. In addition to their physical properties, the films were evaluated for bioactivity. Antioxidant testing revealed significant activity, consistent with earlier findings on the antioxidant potential of olive leaf compounds[4] and thyme essential oil[5]. The films were also non-toxic to fibroblast cells at specific concentrations, indicating their safety for use in drug delivery applications. Antiviral tests showed promising results, with reductions of 32.39% and 54.29% against Poliovirus Type 1 and Murine Norovirus, respectively. This antiviral activity is particularly noteworthy given the increasing interest in natural compounds like thymol for their potential therapeutic applications[5]. Preliminary antibacterial tests, however, revealed mixed results. While no significant reduction in certain bacteria was observed within one minute, a logarithmic reduction in Staphylococcus aureus was achieved. This aligns with earlier findings that thyme essential oil exhibits stronger activity against gram-positive bacteria[2]. However, further optimization is needed to enhance the films’ overall antimicrobial effectiveness. In summary, the study demonstrates the successful development of a mucoadhesive oral film system incorporating optimized OLE and microencapsulated TEO. By leveraging advanced encapsulation techniques and mucoadhesive polymers, the researchers created a film with favorable physical, bioactive, and safety profiles. While further research is required to improve its antimicrobial properties, the system holds significant potential for applications in drug delivery, offering a promising alternative for localized and systemic treatments.

MedicineBiochemPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Optimization of Mucoadhesive Oral Films Containing Olive Leaf Extract and Microencapsulated Thyme Essential Oil With Potential Antimicrobial Activity.

Published 3rd February, 2025

https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.4603

Related Studies

2) Development of alginate microspheres containing thyme essential oil using ionic gelation.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.02.104

3) Naturally Occurring Polyelectrolytes and Their Use for the Development of Complex-Based Mucoadhesive Drug Delivery Systems: An Overview.

https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13142241

4) Adsorption of olive leaf (Olea europaea L.) antioxidants on silk fibroin.

Journal: Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, Issue: Vol 55, Issue 4, Feb 2007

5) Thymol and Thyme Essential Oil-New Insights into Selected Therapeutic Applications.

https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25184125


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