Formulation and evaluation of a buccal patch composed of propolis and Echinacea purpurea

A buccal patch, which releases the drug in the oral cavity at predetermined rate, may present advantages over traditional dosage forms, such as tablets, gels and solutions. Current research in dentistry regarding propolis spans many fields and highlights its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. Considering that Echinacea has the same properties as propolis, the aim of the present study was to develop formulations of twelve buccal patches containing Echinacea purpurea and propolis in tincture and ethanolic extract, respectively. These patches were evaluated for their organoleptic, physicochemical and release characteristics. Of the twelve formulations evaluated, five showed the best properties required to withstand the environment of the oral cavity, and only one of them (formulation 4) released the active ingredients in a form adequate for its use as a buccal patch.