“FORMULATION, DEVELOPMENT, AND EVALUATION OF A POWDERED HERBAL MOUTHWASH USING POMEGRANATE PEEL EXTRACT”

Abstract

The increasing demand for a practical, natural, and kind-to-the-mouth oral care product has led to the creation of new herbal mouthwash alternatives. In this study, pomegranate powder, known for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, was used along with a β-cyclodextrin-based essential oil inclusion complex to make an innovative powdered herbal mouthwash. Peppermint and clove oils were combined with β-cyclodextrin to improve the handling and incorporation of these volatile ingredients into the final dry powder formulation. Mannitol and maltodextrin were included as a diluent, sweetener, and carrier. Sodium bicarbonate and sodium citrate were added to help clean the mouth and regulate the pH of the final oral suspension. The formulation was made using a method that involved steps like sieving, geometric dilution, adding the dried β-cyclodextrin-essential oil complex, blending, and packing the mixture to protect it from moisture. This final dry powder could be a convenient and more stable option compared to ready-to-use liquid mouthwashes. A prepared batch can be tested for its physical and chemical properties, including appearance, flow, reconstitution pH, and how quickly it disperses or dissolves. It can also be tested for microbial content and antimicrobial effects, taste, and how well it is tolerated in the mouth. These tests will support the idea and help prepare the product for larger-scale experiments. Overall, this formulation combines herbal ingredients, dry powder technology, and inclusion complex techniques into a single form for oral care. This study could contribute significantly to the development of a practical herbal mouthwash.