Formulation optimization of orodispersible film containing essential oil from fruits of Zanthoxylum rhetsa (Roxb.) DC. using response surface methodology and evaluation of its antioxidant, and antiglycation activities

This study aimed to develop an optimal formulation for an orodispersible film containing essential oil from Zanthoxylum rhetsa (ZR film) using response surface methodology with a Box-Behnken design experiment and to evaluate its antioxidant and antiglycation activities. Three independent variables—gelatin (1–3 % w/v), carrageenan (0.5–1.5 % w/v), and essential oil from Z. rhetsa fruits (1–3 % w/v)—were utilized to design a ZR film with desirable characteristics. Dependent variables, including film thickness, moisture content, and disintegration time, were assessed. The optimized formulation contained 1 % w/v gelatin, 0.5 % w/v carrageenan, and 2.6 % w/v essential oil from Z. rhetsa fruits. The optimized ZR film exhibited a thickness of 14.2 ± 2.12 µm, a disintegration time of 6.34 ± 0.53 min, and a moisture content of 3.32 ± 0.56 %. Total phenolic content was 55.3 ± 0.4 mg GAE/g, and ABTS radical scavenging capacity was 0.06 ± 0.02 g TEAC/g. Additionally, the ZR film inhibited the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) by 66.97 ± 0.58 %. This ZR film shows promise as a potential oral healthcare product for managing oxidative stress and glycation-related pathologies.