Abstract

Stomatitis is an inflammatory condition of the oral mucosa characterized by pain, burning sensation, erythema, ulceration and difficulty in eating or speaking. In Ayurveda, oral mucosal disorders can be understood through the involvement of Pitta, Rakta, Kapha and Vata according to the clinical presentation. Conditions associated with burning, redness, tenderness and ulceration may particularly reflect Pitta-Rakta predominance. Audumbar (Ficus racemosa Linn.) is traditionally recognized for its Kashaya rasa (astringent taste), Sheeta virya (cool potency), and Pitta-Kapha shamaka and Vrana- ropana properties. Classical and Ayurvedic pharmacological sources describe Udumbara preparations in conditions involving burning, inflammation, bleeding and tissue injury. Local use of Udumbara bark preparations has also been described for stomatitis and pharyngitis. Audumbar Avaleha is a semisolid Ayurvedic formulation traditionally associated with conditions involving Daha (burning sensation), Pitta aggravation and gastrointestinal manifestations. Its ingredients and the properties of Udumbara provide a theoretical basis for investigating its role in inflammatory disorders of the oral mucosa. Modern experimental evidence on Udumbara-containing preparations has demonstrated biological activities including anti- ulcer effects, while evidence directly evaluating Audumbar Avaleha in stomatitis remains insufficient. This review discusses the Ayurvedic rationale, possible pharmacological basis, proposed mechanism, clinical relevance and future research requirements concerning Audumbar Avaleha in stomatitis.