Innovation by Udayana Pharmacy and Biology Students: Cinnamon and Turmeric Mucoadhesive Patch as a Natural Breakthrough for Canker Sores

• Posted by: Admin
• Kamis, 16 Oktober 2025
• Has been read 770 time(s)

Bukit Jimbaran, Thursday, October 16, 2025 – A team of Udayana University students has once again achieved a breakthrough through innovative research in the Student Creativity Program for Exact Research (PKM-RE). Their research, titled "Mucoadhesive Patch Formulation Using a Combination of Cinnamon Bark Extract (Cinnamomum burmanni) and Turmeric (Curcuma longa) for the Treatment of Canker Sores Caused by Candida albicans," has garnered attention for offering a natural and effective solution for treating canker sores.

This research was led by Ni Komang Ayu Cintia Dewi from the Pharmacy Study Program, along with a team consisting of I Komang Yodi Premanadinata, Andreas Gangsar Bayu Waskito, Gusti Ayu Indah Pradnya Apsari Dewi (Pharmacy Study Program), and Dhea Amanda Avrillya (Biology Study Program), under the guidance of Dr. rer. nat. apt. Ni Putu Ariantari, S.Farm., M.Farm.

Canker sores, or Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS), are oral disorders often considered mild, yet they can disrupt daily activities such as eating and speaking. With a prevalence of around 8% in Indonesia, the primary cause is often a Candida albicans fungal infection. Long-term use of synthetic antifungal drugs is now being re-evaluated due to the risk of resistance, necessitating the need for safer and more environmentally friendly natural therapeutic alternatives.

Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde, which can damage fungal cell walls, while turmeric contains curcumin, which acts as an antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. The combination of these two ingredients has been shown to have a synergistic effect in inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans, as demonstrated by a checkerboard microdilution test.

To maximize the effectiveness of the therapy, a team of students from Udayana University (UNUD) developed a mucoadhesive patch, a thin sheet applied directly to the canker sore to ensure targeted drug action. This innovation allows for faster and more efficient healing and is the first step in the development of modern phytopharmaceuticals based on Indonesian natural ingredients.

This research also supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3 on Good Health and Well-being and SDG 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. Furthermore, this research aligns with the Indonesian Government's Asta Cita vision of strengthening human resource development, science, and technology based on natural resource innovation.

To learn more about this research, the public can follow the team's official social media accounts at Instagram: @curmacinn.pkmre25 and TikTok: @curmacinnpkmre.