Smart Edible film with Red Ginger Extract (Zingiber officinale var. rubrum): A Practical Solution for Treating Aphthous Stomatitis

Abstract

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is a chronic inflammation in the oral cavity often caused by Candida albicans infection. This study aimed to develop an edible film formulation containing red ginger extract (Zingiber officinale var. rubrum) as an antifungal alternative therapy for aphthous stomatitis. The experimental research was conducted at the Animal Science and Biomedical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Jambi University, from June to September 2025. The edible film was prepared using gelatin, glycerol, sorbitol, and citric acid as base components, with red ginger extract serving as the active ingredient. Evaluation included organoleptic tests, thickness, weight uniformity, pH, disintegration time, and antifungal activity against Candida albicans. The results showed that the edible film containing red ginger extract (Formula 2) exhibited a thickness of 0.35 mm, a pH of 6.5, a disintegration time of 29 seconds, and a mean inhibition zone of 13.6 mm against Candida albicans, categorized as strong antifungal activity. Clinical trials on volunteers with aphthous stomatitis revealed a decrease in lesion diameter from 4.61 mm to 2.46 mm within seven days, whereas the control formula without extract only decreased to 4.25 mm. The developed edible film met the physical quality standards and was safe for oral application.