Natural ingredients included antimicrobial lozenge formulations for oral care

Lozenges are easy-to-use solid/semi-solid dosage forms that can contain one or more active ingredients, which can be used in the local treatment of mouth and throat infections. Honey, propolis, and perga, which are bee hive natural products have properties of antimicrobial and nutrient. While the oil of seaweed has a rich omega-3 content, the essential oils of pine turpentine, juniper, eucalyptus, sage, lemon balm, and tea tree have antimicrobial properties. In this study, it is aimed to prepare the above indicated ingredients included antimicrobial lozenges. Prepared formulations were evaluated by characterization and antimicrobial efficiency tests. Characterization tests included the determination of organoleptic parameters, weight variation, friability, and in vitro disintegration time. Antimicrobial efficacy was determined with the antimicrobial activities of lozenges against group A β-hemolytic streptococci, group B β-hemolytic streptococci, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Candida albicans which was evaluated by broth microdilution and time-kill studies. Results showed that all the formulations showed acceptable characterization profiles and antimicrobial efficiency. The lozenge formulation, which included honey, propolis, Perga, seaweed oil, and essential oils of pine turpentine, juniper, and eucalyptus can be accepted as the best formulation in terms of antimicrobial activities against all of the tested microorganisms especially Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci which is the most frequent bacterial pathogen causing sore throat in the oral cavity. In conclusion, natural ingredients included lozenges can be a good alternative for oral care products with their good antimicrobial properties for a wide range of populations.