Studies on the applicability of tamarind kernel powder as a carrier in the dissolution enhancement of poorly water soluble drug, celecoxib.

In the present investigation, tamarind kernel powder (TP) was evaluated for its suitability as a carrier to improve the dissolution rate of poorly water-soluble drug, celecoxib (CC). The influence of polysaccharide concentration and method of preparation of solid mixtures on dissolution rate was investigated. Solid mixtures of CC and TP were prepared in different ratios (1:1, 1:4 & 1:9 w/w, CC:TP) using co-grinding technique to test the effect of polysac-charide concentration. Four different methods namely (i) physical mixing method (ii) co-grinding method (iii) kneading method and (iv) solvent deposition method were used to assess the effect of method of preparation. Solid mixtures were characterized by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) studies and solubility studies. Dissolution rate of CC was increased as the TP concentration increased and optimum weight ratio was found to be 1:4 (CC:TP). It was found that method of preparation of solid mixtures significantly effected the dissolution rate of CC from solid mixtures. The order of products basing on dissolution efficency is solvent deposition > co-grinding > kneading > physical mixing > pure CC. Among all the methods, though the solvent deposition technique improved the dissolution rate to maximum, co-grinding technique was found to be suitable from practical point of view and commercialization.