Pequi Oil Bigel With Ellagic Acid: A Narrative Review on the Potential for Treatment of Oral Ulcers

Objective: This narrative review aims to analyze the therapeutic potential of pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) oil–based bigel enriched with ellagic acid for the treatment of oral ulcers, highlighting its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties. Methodology: A non-systematic literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, focusing on studies related to pequi oil, ellagic acid, phytotherapeutic gels, and their applications in oral wound healing. Experimental studies, both in vitro and in vivo, as well as previous reports on the physicochemical characterization and biological activities of bigel formulations, were considered. Results: The evidence reviewed suggests that pequi oil exhibits relevant pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, while ellagic acid contributes with potent antioxidant and healing properties. The combination of these bioactive agents in a bigel system enhances bioavailability, mucoadhesion, and controlled drug release. In preclinical studies, bigels containing ellagic acid accelerated the healing process of induced oral ulcers in animal models, promoting faster re-epithelialization, reduced inflammatory infiltrate, and improved tissue regeneration when compared to control groups. The formulation also showed antimicrobial activity, biocompatibility, and favorable physicochemical stability, supporting its translational potential for clinical use. Conclusion: The pequi oil–ellagic acid bigel demonstrates promising therapeutic effects in the management of oral ulcers, with potential applicability in conditions such as recurrent aphthous stomatitis and oral mucositis. Despite encouraging results, further randomized clinical trials are essential to validate safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness in human populations.