Mastication Meets Medicine: The Evolution of Biodegradable Gum as a Therapeutic Delivery Platform

Abstract

Over time, the unique characteristics of chewing gum have transformed it into an attractive novel therapeutic delivery system with slow-release mechanisms that serve effective local and systemic action. This review highlights the remarkable opportunity that medicinal chewing gums (MCGs) deposit in drug delivery of different bioactive agents indicated for a variety of therapeutic purposes such as treatment of motion sickness, management of pain, relief of smoking addiction, dental hygiene, gastrointestinal disorders, oral fungal infections, and inflammatory disorders. MCGs provide numerous benefits, including gastric acid and enzyme protection, reduced first-pass metabolism, and increased cognitive function, and are becoming increasingly appealing to consumers for therapeutic use. Currently, the chewing gum industry is under a lot of scrutiny for its contribution to plastic pollution due to its use of synthetic gum bases that are not biodegradable. Consequently, a greater need has emerged for more non-plastic options that provide functionality while still being biodegradable. Innovation possibility -development of natural gum bases to replace synthetic components these biodegradable formulations are eco-friendly and appeal to a growing sustainability-conscious market. This article encourages the implementation of zero-waste technologies and the development of biodegradable gums that remain intact in the mouth during mastication but can be degraded and assimilated by colonic microorganisms after being swallowed. In this way, chewing gum producers can meet the environmental standards of the modern world through advances in knowledge while also best utilizing the potential therapeutic effects of the MCGs.