Oral Fast Disintegrating Films of Phytochemicals: A Novel Drug Delivery System

Abstract

Oral fast disintegrating films (OFDFs) have been developed as a viable alternative to conventional oral solid dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, and syrups for patients who struggle consuming them. OFDFs are thin strips that disintegrate or dissolve rapidly when placed in the oral cavity, allowing quick onset of action. These films are prepared by incorporating active pharmaceutical ingredients with film-forming polymers and other ingredients. OFDFs are also developed by incorporating active constituents present in phytochemicals such as flavonoids and polyphenols. In recent years, researchers have developed OFDFs by incorporating active phytoconstituents and/or herbal extracts to produce significant therapeutic activity. Phytochemical-based OFDFs show pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antiviral, immunomodulatory, antimigraine, antiarrhythmic, antioxidant and antibacterial. These films can also be used in the management of dementia, cerebral insufficiency and Alzheimer’s disease. The present review focuses on the formulation and development of phytochemical-loaded OFDFs and recent research carried out on the same in tabular form.
 Keywords: Oral fast disintegrating film, phytochemicals, active phytoconstituents, herbal extracts, natural active compounds, oral mucosa, mouth dissolving film