Development and characterization of a hydrogel containing active principles of lotus leaves (Nelumbo nucifera): An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to formulate and evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of a hydrogel incorporating lotus leaf extract as a potential local drug delivery system for periodontal disease treatment.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Lotus leaves were extracted using a hydroalcoholic Soxhlet method, and the resulting extract was incorporated into a hydrogel. The antibacterial activity of the hydrogel was assessed in vitro against Fusobacterium nucleatum, a key pathogen in periodontal disease. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined. The gel's physical characteristics, including pH, consistency, and appearance, were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The lotus leaf extract demonstrated significant antibacterial activity with an MIC and MBC of 600 μg/mL (0.6 mg/mL) against F. nucleatum. The hydrogel formulation was green, clear, and semisolid and exhibited a uniform texture with a pH of 7.0, indicating suitability for periodontal application.

CONCLUSION

The lotus leaf extract-based hydrogel showed promising antimicrobial properties and favorable physical characteristics, suggesting its potential as an effective local treatment for periodontitis. These findings highlight the viability of using natural plant extracts in innovative hydrogel formulations to address periodontal disease. Further research is needed to evaluate the lotus leaf extract gel's efficacy, stability, and safety both in vitro and in vivo and its impact on a broader range of periodontal pathogens.