The gelling properties of Dillenia indica mucilage in benzyl benzoate emulgel formulations

Abstract The objective of the study was to evaluate the gelling properties of Dillenia indica mucilage in benzyl benzoate emulgel formulation. Mucilage was extracted from the fruits of Dillenia indica using established methods and characterized by rheology and swelling. Emulsion (F1) was prepared using the continental emulsification method. Gelling agents (2 %w /v) were prepared by dispersing in distilled water with constant stirring at a moderate speed using a magnetic stirrer. F1 was added to the gel (0-75 %w /w) to obtain emulgel formulations and evaluated using viscosity, globule size, pH, release profiles and kinetic modeling. Data were expressed as mean ± SD, and similarity factor (f2) was used to compare all formulations. Formulation viscosity was significantly higher with carbopol than with Dillenia; globule sizes increased with concentration of gelling agents, and pH reduced as the concentration of Dillenia increased. All formulations showed controlled release properties with t80 ranging between 114 and 660 min. The release was governed by Korsmeyer-Peppas model. Formulation F5 prepared with 50 % Dillenia showed highest similarity to F4 prepared with 75 %w /w carbopol. Dillenia indica demonstrated acceptable gelling properties comparable with that of carbopol and could be improved for use in emulgel formulations.

The design of ibuprofen-loaded microbeads using polymers obtained from Xanthosoma sagittifolium and Dillenia indica.

BACKGROUND: Ibuprofen is used both for acute and chronic disorders, such as ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis; however, ibuprofen causes gastrointestinal disturbances. Therefore, it would be desirable to design it as a sustained-release preparation. OBJECTIVES: To design ibuprofen microbeads using polymers obtained from Xanthosoma sagittifolium starch and Dillenia indica mucilage to provide sustained-release delivery of ibuprofen. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The polymers were extracted using standard methods and characterized by their material, physicochemical, elemental, and rheological profiles. Microbeads loaded with ibuprofen were prepared using the ionotropic gelation method utilizing blends of the polymers and sodium alginate. The microbeads were evaluated using particle shape, particle size, swelling index, entrapment efficiency, and release assays. RESULTS: The results showed that the polymers have distinct material and physicochemical properties unique to their botanical sources. The microbeads were spherical and free-flowing, and they rolled without friction. The swelling properties ranged from 47.62 ±2.74% to 79.49 ±3.66%. The particle size of the microbeads ranged from 88.14 ±68.57 µm to 214.90 ±66.95 µm, while the encapsulation efficiencies ranged from 20.67 ±4.66% to 83.61 ±6.35%. The dissolution times suggested that the concentration of the natural polymers in the bead formulation could be used to modulate the dissolution properties. Generally, formulations containing the mucilage yielded higher dissolution times than those containing the starch. The kinetics of drug release from the microbeads containing the polymer blends generally fitted the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. The highest similarity was found between formulations C6 and D4 with f2 of 81.07. CONCLUSIONS: The microbeads prepared with polymers obtained from Xanthosoma and Dillenia showed acceptable physicochemical properties, dependent upon polymer type, blend and concentration.

Film forming properties of Cissus pulpunea (Guill and Perr) and Irvingia gabonensis (O'Rorke) gums.

BACKGROUND: Natural polymers such as gums have gained attention in drug delivery systems due to their availability, compatibility and degradation under natural and physiological conditions. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate the film forming properties of gums obtained from the stem of Cissus polpunea (Guill and Perr) and the seed of Irvingia gabonensis (O'Rorke). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Gums were extracted from the relevant plant parts and characterized using functional, proximate and elemental properties. Films were prepared by the casting method using gum concentrations of 1-4% w/v and varied with propylene glycol (PG). The films were assessed through physical observation, thickness, swelling power and moisture sorption effects using the relative humidity of 0, 27, 43, 57, 75 and 90%. The gum yielding optimal film properties was used as coating material in ibuprofen tablet formulations. The mechanical and release properties of the tablets were determined. RESULTS: The functional and proximate properties of gums showed a similarity in the majority of the parameters, but significant (p < 0.05) variation existed in their solubility, while elemental assessment revealed the absence of toxic metals. Generally, the films were homogenous, opaque and demonstrated high swelling power in phosphate buffer, which was pH-dependent. Moisture sorption properties of the gums increased with the increase in relative humidity in the order HPMC < Cissus < Irvingia. Film-coated ibuprofen tablets showed higher mechanical properties and disintegration and dissolution times compared with uncoated tablets. CONCLUSIONS: Cissus and irvingia gums have demonstrated acceptable functional, proximate and elemental properties. Film-coated ibuprofen tablets showed higher mechanical and release properties than was the case in uncoated tablets.