Development of Mucoadhesive Buccal Film Containing Herbal Extracts (Tulsi, Neem and Clove) for Antifungal Therapy

Oral fungal infections, particularly oral candidiasis, represent a common clinical problem that mainly affects immunocompromised individuals, elderly patients, and denture wearers. Conventional antifungal therapies, although effective, are often associated with limitations such as poor retention in the oral cavity, systemic side effects, frequent dosing, and the emergence of drug resistance. These challenges have encouraged the development of alternative localized drug delivery systems that can provide sustained antifungal action with improved patient compliance. Mucoadhesive buccal films have emerged as a promising platform for oral drug delivery due to their ability to adhere to the buccal mucosa, prolong residence time, and deliver drugs directly at the site of infection.Herbal antifungal agents have gained significant attention in recent years owing to their safety, biocompatibility, and broad-spectrum activity. Medicinal plants such as Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Neem (Azadirachta indica), and Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) are well known for their antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, primarily attributed to bioactive constituents such as eugenol, flavonoids, and terpenoids. The incorporation of these herbal extracts into mucoadhesive buccal films offers a synergistic therapeutic approach by combining the advantages of natural antifungal agents with advanced drug delivery technology.This review highlights the pathophysiology of oral fungal infections, limitations of conventional antifungal therapies, and the potential of mucoadhesive buccal films as an effective alternative. Emphasis is placed on formulation strategies, polymer selection, evaluation parameters, antifungal efficacy, and safety considerations of polyherbal buccal films containing Tulsi, Neem, and Clove extracts. The review also discusses current challenges, future perspectives, and the scope for clinical translation and commercialization of herbal mucoadhesive buccal films for antifungal therapy.