Researchers in Japan have explored the potential of green tea catechins in developing a novel treatment for oral mucositis that minimises patient discomfort, publishing their findings in ACS Omega.
Oral mucositis is a common and painful side effect of cancer treatments that results from damage to rapidly dividing mucosal cells.
To address this, the team at Tokyo University of Science designed a thin mucoadhesive film enriched with tea catechins, which can be applied directly to affected areas for prolonged relief.
This film is a thin, flexible material that adheres to the inside of the mouth to deliver active ingredients, like medications, directly to the affected area. It offers a more convenient, inexpensive, and user-friendly alternative to mucoadhesive tablets, which often have limited usability.
The films were prepared by combining xyloglucan (Xylo), a water-soluble polymer extracted from tamarind seeds, with green tea extract (TE) which contains over 75 per cent catechins, including more than 40 per cent epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).
The researchers developed two types of films: hydrogels, prepared by drying Xylo/TE solutions at 4°C for 24 hours; and xerogels, which were dried for seven days, resulting in firmer, drier films.
It turned out the xerogel films demonstrated better mucoadhesive properties, withstanding up to 10 times more force and performing similarly to commercially available oral mucoadhesive films.
To test the adhesive strength of the xerogel, the researchers simulated oral conditions using mucin disks coated with artificial saliva. The film was pressed onto the disk with a plunger, and the force required to detach it was measured. The films adhered well, with detachment forces matching or exceeding those of over-the-counter products.
The team also examined the release of EGCG by soaking the films in water, discovering that higher concentrations of Xylo facilitated greater EGCG release over time, highlighting their potential as mucoadhesive films.
“Xylo/TE xerogel films demonstrated high strength, hydrogel-like properties due to rapid water absorption, and adhesion forces comparable to commercial films,” research leader Professor Takehisa Hanawa said.
The team is now focused on enhancing the film’s design and evaluating its safety and efficacy through cell-based experiments, advancing toward a promising solution for oral mucositis.
