The Role of Herbal Drug-loaded Buccal films in the Management of Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a long-term metabolic disease characterised by high blood sugar levels and related health problems. Conventional oral antidiabetic drugs often face limitations such as poor absorption, liver metabolism, and reduced patient compliance. To overcome these issues, buccal drug delivery has gained attention because it allows drugs to be absorbed directly through the lining of the mouth, bypassing liver metabolism and improving therapeutic effectiveness. In recent years, herbal medicines have become popular as supportive treatments for diabetes due to their safety and multiple biological benefits. Flavonoids, a major group of plant-based compounds found in fruits and vegetables, show strong antidiabetic activity. They help control blood glucose by improving insulin sensitivity, reducing oxidative stress, lowering inflammation, and regulating glucose absorption. However, flavonoids often have low solubility and bioavailability, which limits their effectiveness. Advanced drug-delivery systems such as nanoparticles and mucoadhesive formulations help improve their stability and absorption. Buccal films are thin polymeric dosage forms designed to deliver drugs through the buccal mucosa for both local and systemic action. They improve drug absorption, allow controlled release, and enhance patient convenience. Buccal films are mainly classified as mucoadhesive, fast-dissolving, and bilayered films. Mucoadhesive films remain attached to the mucosa for longer periods, while fast-dissolving films release the drug quickly in saliva. Bilayered films provide directional drug release toward the mucosa. Suitable polymers, plasticizers, and permeation enhancers are selected to ensure flexibility, adhesion, and effective drug release. Different preparation methods such as solvent casting, hot-melt extrusion, and solid dispersion techniques are used. Evaluation tests ensure film quality, safety, stability, and drug release behaviour. Overall, flavonoid-loaded buccal films offer improved bioavailability, sustained drug release, and better patient compliance, making them a promising and patient-friendly approach for diabetes management.