The urge to implement innovative approaches that align with eco-friendly practices and hold promise for enhancing oral health while promoting environmental sustainability has been increasing. This current work aims to develop a sustainable treatment for oral traumatic ulcers using licorice-based hydrogels (LHGs) containing hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) as the green gelling agent. Licorice root aqueous extract was phytochemically profiled using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Forty-three compounds were detected, with Glycyrrhizic acid being the major component of the extract (34.85 ± 2.77%). By implementing a Quality by Design (QbD) approach, the study investigates the effects of different licorice extract and HEC concentrations on key variables such as pH and viscosity of the prepared formulations, ulcer and wound healing scores, and tissue growth factors via a Full Factorial Experimental Design. The LHGs exhibited desirable consistency, spreadability, and clarity. Statistical analysis, employing an ANOVA test, revealed the high significance of the constructed models with the licorice concentration being the key independent factor affecting all dependent outputs. The pH as well as the viscosity of the prepared LHGs were positively influenced by licorice extract concentration, with higher concentrations leading to increased alkalinity and viscosity. Rheological behavior analysis revealed a pseudoplastic flow with demonstrated thixotropy which is advantageous for application and prolongation of residence time. The wound healing process was assessed through ulcer size, traumatic ulcer healing score (UHS), collagen-1 expression (COL-1), growth factors (EGF, VEGF), pro-inflammatory markers (TNF-α), wound healing score (WHS). LHGs prepared using higher levels of both factors, 30% dried licorice root extract and 4% HEC, demonstrated enhanced wound healing, elevated growth factor expression of 66.67% and 23.24%, respectively, and 88% reduced inflammation compared to the control group, indicating their potential in expediting oral ulcer recovery. Overall, these findings highlight the promising role of green licorice-based hydrogels in promoting sustainable oral mucosal healing.

Chemotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of head and neck cancers can induce adverse effects on healthy tissues, including hematopoietic cells. Saliva and salivary glands are also vulnerable to the toxic effects of chemotherapy. Notably, the incorporation of herbal products or their natural constituents offers the potential for mitigating the adverse effects of chemotherapy. Mangifera indica L., commonly known as mango, is a globally significant tropical fruit renowned for its production and consumer appeal. It possesses a range of bioactive properties, including antioxidant and anti-cancer effects. This study assessed the cytoprotective activity of mango peel extract (MPE), specifically its ability to mitigate the adverse effects of carboplatin/5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on parotid glands and hematopoietic cells. Sixty male albino rats were equally divided into control (no treatment), Drug (carboplatin/5-FU), MPE only, and Drug + MPE (carboplatin/5-FU + MPE). All treatments were administered for three weeks. Body weight, blood glucose levels, and hematological values were evaluated. Parotid gland biopsies were analyzed using H&E staining and transmission electron microscopy. The concurrent administration of MPE and carboplatin/5-FU significantly increased body weight compared to carboplatin/5-FU treatment alone. However, MPE did not counteract the decrease in blood glucose levels induced by carboplatin/5-FU. Notably, the combined use of MPE and carboplatin/5-FU resulted in a modest increase in total hematopoietic cell count compared to the substantial decrease observed with carboplatin/5-FU monotherapy. Parotid glands revealed that MPE partially restored parenchymal structure, characterized by reduced periductal fibrosis, fewer pyknotic nuclei, and milder acinar vacuolation. While some striated ducts still showed a loss of striation, excretory ducts exhibited partial improvement in cell lining in certain areas. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed these histological observations. MPE demonstrated myeloprotective effects on hematopoietic cells, improved weight loss, and reduced blood glucose levels. Furthermore, concurrent administration of MPE and carboplatin/5-FU significantly attenuated parotid gland injury induced by carboplatin/5-FU.

Moringa oleifera (MO), a medicinal herb, has been studied in recent decades for its diverse range of biological activities. Several studies have revealed that MO leaf extract (MOLE) possesses cytoprotective properties, while other studies have reported anti-proliferative potential. This study was conducted to assess the potential effect of MOLE on electronic cigarette liquid (EC e-liquid) treated human lung fibroblast cell line (WI-38). An MTT assay was performed to investigate the potential effect of EC e-liquid and MOLE on cell viability and determine the cytotoxic concentration (CC50) in WI-38 cells. Cells were treated with 190.2 µg/mL of EC e-liquid (EC group) and 33.2 µg/mL of EC e-liquid and MOLE (EC + MOLE group) for 24 h. Analysis of apoptosis and cell cycle was performed using flow cytometric assay. Moreover, the expression of apoptosis-related proteins Bax and Bcl2 was measured using ELISA.Our findings revealed that MOLE demonstrated a cytotoxic effect on EC e-liquid treated WI-38 cells through induction of apoptosis via up-regulation of Bax and down-regulation of Bcl2. Additionally, MOLE induced cell cycle arrest at the S phase. Overall, these findings indicate that MOLE is an inefficient cytoprotective agent against EC e-liquid cytotoxicity; nonetheless, it exerts a cytotoxic effect, suggesting a promising role as a valuable anti-proliferative agent.