A Review on Pharmaceutical Jelly Formulations: New Frontier in Oral Drug Delivery

Tahmina Maqbool; Hadia Naz; Rabia Shahid; Fabeha Kazmi; Misbah Qasim; Memoona Attari; Muhammad Majid

doi:10.70749/ijbr.v3i7.1663

Authors

Tahmina Maqbool Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Madinat al-Hikmah, Hakim Mohammed Said Road, Karachi, Pakistan.
Hadia Naz Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Madinat al-Hikmah, Hakim Mohammed Said Road, Karachi, Pakistan.
Rabia Shahid Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Madinat al-Hikmah, Hakim Mohammed Said Road, Karachi, Pakistan.
Fabeha Kazmi Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Madinat al-Hikmah, Hakim Mohammed Said Road, Karachi, Pakistan.
Misbah Qasim Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Madinat al-Hikmah, Hakim Mohammed Said Road, Karachi, Pakistan.
Memoona Attari Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Madinat al-Hikmah, Hakim Mohammed Said Road, Karachi, Pakistan.
Muhammad Majid Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Madinat al-Hikmah, Hakim Mohammed Said Road, Karachi, Pakistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v3i7.1663

Keywords:

Pharmaceutical Jellies, Fast-Dissolving Formulations, Stability, Semi-Solid Dosage Forms

Abstract

Pharmaceutical jelly-based formulations represent a novel, emerging and patient-friendly approach in oral and mucosal drug delivery, contributing a palatable, semi-solid alternative to traditional tablets and capsules. Particularly advantageous for patient populations experiencing dysphagia, including pediatric and geriatric populations. Functioning at the intersection of liquid and solid dosage forms, these semi-solid systems facilitate enhanced palatability, ease of administration, and improved physicochemical stability of active pharmaceutical ingredients. This review critically explained the enriching research studies of jelly formulations, offering a systematic classification based on administration routes, therapeutic objectives, and compositional attributes. It further elucidates formulation strategies, excipient rationalization, and recent technological advancements supporting the development of fast-dissolving, sustained-release, and nutraceutical variants. Regulatory developments, formulation challenges, and emerging trends such as precision dosing and stimuli-responsive jellies are also addressed. Despite certain physicochemical properties and storage constraints, jelly systems exhibit considerable promise in improving medication adherence and optimizing therapeutic performance in contemporary pharmaceutics. Future directions indicate the development of advanced delivery systems utilizing nanotechnology, mucoadhesive polymers, and personalized medicine approaches. With increasing regulatory interest and market expansion, jelly formulations are poised to become a vital component of modern drug delivery systems.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Sunil, S., K. Sharma, and S. Arathy, Pharmaceutical Jellies: A novel way of drug delivery. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 2020. 12(7): p. 904-909.

Soder, R.P., et al., A phase I study to evaluate two doses of Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stromal cells for the treatment of de novo high-risk or steroid-refractory acute graft versus host disease. Stem cell reviews and reports, 2020. 16: p. 979-991.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12015-020-10015-8

Carbonell, M., Likability and Efficacy of Gummy Oral Sedative by Pediatric Patients. 2019.

Aulton, M.E. and K. Taylor, Aulton's pharmaceutics: the design and manufacture of medicines. 2013: Elsevier Health Sciences.

Maqbool, T., et al., Dysphagia, a Problem Associated with Swallowing Solid Dosage form (SDF) in the General Population. RADS Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2022. 10(2).

Imai, K., Alendronate sodium hydrate (oral jelly) for the treatment of osteoporosis: review of a novel, easy to swallow formulation. Clinical interventions in Aging, 2013: p. 681-688.

https://doi.org/10.2147/cia.s37199

Kim, K.H., M. Jun, and M.-K. Lee, Bioavailability of the common cold medicines in jellies for oral administration. Pharmaceutics, 2020. 12(11): p. 1073.

https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics12111073

Barequet, I.S., et al., Provision of anesthesia with single application of lidocaine 2% gel 11Susan Vitale, MS, Wilmer Biostatic Center, assisted with the statistical analysis. %Reprint requests to. Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, 1999. 25(5): p. 626-631.

https://doi.org/10.1016/s0886-3350(99)00004-8

Bahekar, M.S., R. Mujariya, and M. Singh, Herbal Innovations in Candidiasis Management: A Comprehensive Review of Aloe Vera and Betel Leaf Extract Based Antifungal Gel.

https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2024.v06i03.20535

Willcox, R., Vaginal Jellies: How Long they Stay in the Vagina. British Medical Journal, 1953. 1(4805): p. 316.

https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.1.4805.316-a

Shitut, N.R., et al., Rectal and Vaginal Routes of Drug Delivery, in Theory and Practice of Contemporary Pharmaceutics. 2021, CRC Press. p. 455-478.

https://doi.org/10.1201/9780203644478-19

Dombe, S. and P. Kirave, Design and development of medicated jelly as preventative measure for cancer. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 2019. 11(6): p. 2475-2478.

Alu’datt, M.H., et al., Recent research directions on functional royal jelly: highlights prospects in food, nutraceutical, and pharmacological industries. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition: p. 1-14.

https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2024.2418892

Papachristoudis, I.P., et al., Development of Novel Canned Peaches (Fercluse Variety) as a Healthy and Possible Diabetic Food Choice. Applied Sciences, 2025. 15(6): p. 3336.

https://doi.org/10.3390/app15063336

Hartini, N., et al., Solubility enhancement of curcumin via fast-dissolving electrospun nanofibrous mats comprising jelly fig polysaccharides and Pullulan. Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers, 2024. 160: p. 105346.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtice.2024.105346

A Satyanarayana, D., P. K Kulkarni, and H. G Shivakumar, Gels and jellies as a dosage form for dysphagia patients: a review. Current Drug Therapy, 2011. 6(2): p. 79-86.

Almurisi, S.H., et al., Formulation development of paracetamol instant jelly for pediatric use. Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy, 2020. 46(8): p. 1373-1383.

https://doi.org/10.1080/03639045.2020.1791165

Fukada, M., et al., Development of bitter-taste masked instant jelly formulations of diphenhydramine hydrochloride with Easy-to-Consume granules. Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 2023. 71(8): p. 670-674.

https://doi.org/10.1248/cpb.c23-00247

Ibrahim, K.A., et al., Formulation, Evaluation and release rate characteristics of medicated jelly of vitamin C. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2017. 30.

Otręba, M., et al., Bee Venom, Honey, and Royal Jelly in the Treatment of Bacterial Infections of the Oral Cavity: A Review. Life, 2021. 11(12): p. 1311.

https://doi.org/10.3390/life11121311

Singh, A., S. Kurkure, and S. Anardi, Formulation and Evaluation of In-Situ Gelling System for Sustained Release Ophthalmic Drug Delivery of Ciprofloxacin. 2020.

Patel, P. and P. Patel, Formulation and evaluation of clindamycin HCL in situ gel for vaginal application. International journal of pharmaceutical investigation, 2015. 5(1): p. 50.

https://doi.org/10.4103/2230-973x.147233

Dhal, S., et al., Formulation and characterization of emulgel-based jelly candy: a preliminary study on nutraceutical delivery. Gels, 2023. 9(6): p. 466.

Liu, X., et al., Luminescent hydrogel based on silver nanocluster/malic acid and its composite film for highly sensitive detection of Fe3+. Gels, 2021. 7(4): p. 192.

https://doi.org/10.3390/gels7040192

Shukla, R.K., et al., Importance and nutritional value with therapeutic properties of a traditional gulkand: A review. Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Sciences, 2024. 46(2): p. 43-50.

Akl, M.A., et al., Tolmetin sodium-loaded thermosensitive mucoadhesive liquid suppositories for rectal delivery; strategy to overcome oral delivery drawbacks. Drug development and industrial pharmacy, 2019. 45(2): p. 252-264.

https://doi.org/10.1080/03639045.2018.1534858

Rajagopalan, M., et al., Guidelines on management of atopic dermatitis in India: an evidence-based review and an expert consensus. Indian journal of dermatology, 2019. 64(3): p. 166-181.

Sharma, V.K. and B. Mazumdar, Feasibility and characterization of gummy exudate of Cochlospermum religiosum as pharmaceutical excipient. Industrial Crops and Products, 2013. 50: p. 776-786.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2013.08.041

Hartel, R.W., et al., Jellies, gummies and licorices. Confectionery science and technology, 2018: p. 329-359.

Rowe, R.C., P. Sheskey, and M. Quinn, Handbook of pharmaceutical excipients. 2009: Libros Digitales-Pharmaceutical Press.

Allen, L., H.C. Ansel, and N. Popovich, Pharmaceutical dosage forms and drug delivery systems. Evaluation, 2011. 56: p. 44.

FDA, U., Regulatory Framework for Substances Intended for Use in Human Food or Animal Food on the Basis of the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) Provision of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act: Guidance for Industry. Drug, and Cosmetic Act: Guidance for Industry, 2017.

Surana, K.R., et al., Formulation, development and evaluation of herbal pediatric edible jelly for cough. 2024.

https://doi.org/10.30827/ars.v66i1.31428

Siafaka, P., et al., Current status of pediatric formulations for chronic and acute children’diseases: Applications and future perspectives. Medeni Med J, 2021. 36(2): p. 152-62.

https://doi.org/10.5222/mmj.2021.78476

Mahmood, S.Z., N.Z. Yousif, and Z.D. Salman, Types of Attractive Dosage Forms for Primary School Students and Associated Factors in Baghdad/Iraq. Al Mustansiriyah Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2020. 20(4): p. 13-22.

https://doi.org/10.32947/ajps.v20i4.770

Elshafeey, A.H. and R.M. El-Dahmy, A novel oral medicated jelly for enhancement of etilefrine hydrochloride bioavailability: In vitro characterization and pharmacokinetic evaluation in healthy human volunteers. Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal, 2022. 30(10): p. 1435-1447.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsps.2022.07.004

Taranum, R. and S. Mittapally, Formulation and evaluation of domperidone oral jelly. Int J Pharm Biol, 2018. 8: p. 870-8.

https://doi.org/10.22270/jddt.v8i4.1784