Design and development of controlled release floating matrix tablet of Nicorandil using hydrophilic cellulose and pH-independent acrylic polymer: in-vitro and in-vivo evaluations.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to develop a floating matrix tablet of Nicorandil using blends of hydrophilic cellulose and pH-independent acrylic polymer to improve the therapeutic effectiveness of the drug in cardiovascular disease. METHODS: Nicorandil tablets were prepared by direct compression and evaluated for drug-excipients compatibility, in-vitro buoyancy and in-vivo γ-scintigraphy study. The selected formulation (FT5) was also evaluated for stability study and the in-vivo absorption in rabbits to compare the pharmacokinetic parameters with the commercially available immediate release tablet of Nicorandil. RESULTS: DSC and FT-IR studies confirmed the absence of incompatibility and were found stable at refrigerator temperature (2-8°C) and at 25ºC/60% RH. The in-vivo γ-scintigraphy studies revealed that the system was floated for a period of 6 -7 h in the stomach and in-vivo absorption study showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the pharmacokinetic parameters (AUC increased by 3 fold and MRT by 2.5 fold) as compared to the marketed formulation. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the developed Nicorandil floating matrix tablet improved the pharmacokinetics parameters (AUC and MRT) in rabbit plasma with expected lowering in side effects potential.

Study of the Effect of Dillenia indica Fruit Mucilage on the Properties of Metformin Hydrochloride Loaded Spray Dried Microspheres.

Natural materials are preferred over synthetic counterparts because of their biodegradable and biocompatible nature. The present work was proposed to utilize mucilage from natural source for the development of controlled release formulation of metformin hydrochloride. Natural mucilaginous substance extracted from Dillenia indica L. (DI) fruit was used in fabricating controlled release microspheres. The microspheres were prepared by spray drying method under different formulation parameters. The prepared microspheres were studied for particle size, drug excipient compatibility, particle shape and surface morphologies, drug entrapment efficiency, mucoadhesivity, and in vitro drug release properties. The prepared microspheres exhibited mucoadhesive properties and demonstrated controlled release of metformin hydrochloride. The study reveals that the natural materials can be used for formulation of controlled release microspheres and would provide ample opportunities for further study.

Evaluation of chemically modified hydrophobic sago starch as a carrier for controlled drug delivery.

The present investigation deals with the development of controlled release tablets of lamivudine using acetylated sago starch. The acetylated starch was synthesized with acetic anhydride in pyridine medium. The acetylated sago starch was tested for acute toxicity and drug-excipient compatibility study. The formulations were evaluated for physical characteristics like hardness, % friability, % drug content and weight variations. The in vitro release study showed that the optimized formulation exhibited highest correlation (R) value in the case of higuchi kinetic model and the release mechanism study proved that the formulation showed a combination of diffusion and erosion processes. There was a significant difference in the pharmacokinetic parameters (T max, C max, AUC, V d, T 1/2 and MDT) of the optimized formulation as compared to the marketed conventional tablet Lamivir® which proves the controlled release property of acetylated sago starch.

Evaluation of microwave assisted grafted sago starch as controlled release polymeric carrier.

In the present investigation an attempt has been made to develop a new co-polymeric material for controlled release tablet formulations. The acrylamide grafting was successfully performed on the backbone of sago starch. The modified starch was tested for acute toxicity and drug-excipient compatibility study. The grafted material was used in making of controlled release tablets of lamivudine. The formulations were evaluated for physical characteristics such as hardness, friability, %drug content and weight variations. The in vitro release study showed that the optimized formulation exhibited highest correlation (R) value in case of Higuchi model and the release mechanism of the optimized formulation predominantly exhibited combination of diffusion and erosion process. There was a significant difference in the pharmacokinetic parameters (T(max), C(max), AUC, V(d), T(1/2) and MDT) of the optimized formulation as compared to the marketed conventional tablet Lamivir(®) was observed. The pharmacokinetics parameters were showed controlled pattern and better bioavailability. The optimized formulation exhibited good stability and release profile at the accelerated stability conditions.

Studies on stercuia gum formulations in the form of osmotic core tablet for colon-specific drug delivery of azathioprine.

The purpose of this research is to evaluate Sterculia urens gum as a carrier for a colon-targeted drug delivery system. Microflora degradation studies of Sterculia gum was conducted in phosphate-buffered saline pH 7.4 containing rat caecal medium under an anaerobic environment. Solubility, swelling index, viscosity, and pH of the polymer solution were determined. Different formulation aspects considered were gum concentration (10-40%) and concentration of citric acid (10-30%) on the swelling index and in-vitro dissolution release. The results of the isothermal stress testing showed that there is no degradation of samples of model drug, azathioprine, the drug polymer mixture, and the core tablet excipients. Differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy study proved the compatibility of the drug with Sterculia gum and other tablet excipients. Microflora degradation study revealed that Sterculia gum can be used as tablet excipient for drug release in the colonic region by utilizing the action of enterobacteria. The swelling force of the Sterculia gum could concurrently drive the drug out of the polysaccharide core due to the rupture of the mixed film coating under colonic microflora-activated environment. Sterculia gum gives premature drug release in the upper gastrointestinal tract without enteric coating and may not reach the colonic region. Sterculia gum as a colon-targeting carrier is possible via double-layer coating with chitosan/Eudragit RLPO (ammonio-methacrylate copolymer) mixed blend as well as enteric polymers, which would provide acid as well as intestinal resistance but undergo enzymatic degradation once reaching the colon. LAY ABSTRACT: The aim of the research is to evaluate wheather Sterculia urens, which is a polysaccharide, is suitable as a carrier for colonic delivery of drugs acting locally in the colon. Sterculia gum has been reported to have wide pharmaceutical applications such as tablet binder, disintegrant, gelling agent, and as a controlled release polymer. Sterculia gum falls under the category of a polysaccharide and is yet to be evaluated as a carrier for colonic delivery of drugs. First the susceptibility of the polysaccharide gum in rat caecal microflora was investigated because true polysaccharides are degraded by the action of normal colonic bacteria. Bacterial degradation of the gum in the colonic environment was confirmed by adding a small quantity of the gum in rat caecal content mixed with phosphate-buffered saline pH 7.4 under an anaerobic environment. Solubility, swelling index, viscosity, and pH of the polymer solution were determined. Different formulation aspects considered were gum concentration (10-40%), concentration of citric acid (10-30%) on swelling index, and in vitro dissolution behavior. Isothermal stress testing was done to determine that there was no degradation of the model drug, azathioprine, with Sterculia gum excipient mixtures under stressed conditions. Differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy study proved the compatibility of the drug with Sterculia gum and other tablet excipients. Microflora degradation study revealed that Sterculia gum is digested by the colonic microflora and therefore can be used as a tablet excipient for drug release in the colonic region utilizing the microflora degradation mechanism. Sterculia gum gives premature drug release in the upper gastrointestinal tract without enteric coating and may not reach the colonic region. Sterculia gum as colon-targeting carrier is possible via double-layer coating with chitosan/Eudragit RLPO (ammonio-methacrylate copolymer) and Eudragit L100 polymers, which would provide acid as well as intestinal resistance but undergo enzymatic degradation once reaching the colon.

Development and characterisation of metformin loaded spray dried Bora rice microspheres.

Bora rice, a glutinous rice, is grown in Assam (a north eastern state of India) and is used traditionally for various purposes. The rationale of this study was to prepare and to assess Metformin loaded mucoadhesive spray dried microspheres using locally grown Bora rice powder. Metformin loaded microspheres were prepared using Bora rice and sodium alginate by spray drying method. For the study of the consequence of parameters of spray drier on the properties of microspheres, parameters such as aspirator flow rate, temperature, feed flow rate and concentration of the spray solution were changed. The in-vitro release properties were also studied. Almost spherical microspheres were obtained with significant swelling and mucoadhesivity. Dissolution study was carried out in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) for 7 hrs. It was also noted to possess good mucoadhesive in such a way that about 90% of microspheres remained adherent on the surface of intestinal mucosa of pig skin. The total amount of drug released from microspheres after 7 hr. was 80%. The release of drug was not affected by the changes in parameters but was affected when sodium alginate concentration was changed. It was observed that microsphere properties changed as the parameters were changed. Smaller particles were obtained when the concentration of the spray solution, aspirator flow rate, the temperature difference between inlet and outlet and feed flow rate were lower.

Formulation development and in-vitro/in-vivo correlation for a novel Sterculia gum-based oral colon-targeted drug delivery system of azathioprine.

The present study was aimed at designing a microflora triggered colon-targeted drug delivery system (MCDDS) based on swellable polysaccharide, Sterculia gum in combination with biodegradable polymers with a view to target azathioprine (AZA) in the colon for the treatment of IBD with reduced systemic toxicity. The microflora degradation study of gum was investigated in rat cecal medium. The polysaccharide tablet was coated to different film thicknesses with blends of chitosan/Eudragit RLPO and over coated with Eudragit L00 to provide acid and intestinal resistance. Swelling and drug release studies were carried out in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) (pH 1.2), simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) (pH 6.8) and simulated colonic fluid (SCF) (pH 7.4 under anaerobic environment), respectively. Drug release study in SCF revealed that swelling force of the gum could concurrently drive the drug out of the polysaccharide core due to the rupture of the chitosan/Eudragit coating in microflora-activated environment. Chitosan in the mixed film coat was found to be degraded by enzymatic action of the microflora in the colon. Release kinetic data revealed that, the optimized MCDDS was fitted well into first order model and apparent lag time was found to be 6 h, followed by Higuchi spherical matrix release. The degradation of chitosan was the rate-limiting factor for drug release in the colon. In-vivo study in rabbit shows delayed T(max), prolonged absorption time, decreased C(max) and absorption rate constant (Ka) indicating reduced systemic toxicity of the drug as compared to other dosage forms.

Formulation development and evaluation of lamivudine controlled release tablets using cross-linked sago starch.

OBJECTIVES: Modified starches based polymeric substances find utmost applicability in pharmaceutical formulation development. Cross-linked starches showed very promising results in drug delivery application. The present investigation concerns with the development of controlled release tablets of lamivudine using cross-linked sago starch. METHODS: The cross-linked derivative was synthesized with phosphorous oxychloride and native sago starch in basic pH medium. The cross-linked sago starch was tested for acute toxicity and drug-excipient compatibility study. The formulated tablets were evaluated for various physical characteristics, in vitro dissolution release study and in vivo pharmacokinetic study in rabbit model. RESULTS: In vitro release study showed that the optimized formulation exhibited highest correlation (R) in case of zero order kinetic model and the release mechanism followed a combination of diffusion and erosion process. There was a significant difference in the pharmacokinetic parameters (T(max), C(max), AUC, V(d), T(1/2), and MDT) of the optimized formulation as compared to the marketed conventional tablet Lamivir®. CONCLUSION: The cross-linked starch showed promising results in terms of controlling the release behavior of the active drug from the matrix. The hydrophilic matrix synthesized by cross-linking could be used with a variety of active pharmaceutical ingredients for making their controlled/sustained release formulations.

Design, Development, and Optimization of Sterculia Gum-Based Tablet Coated with Chitosan/Eudragit RLPO Mixed Blend Polymers for Possible Colonic Drug Delivery.

The purpose of this study is to explore the possible applicability of Sterculia urens gum as a novel carrier for colonic delivery system of a sparingly soluble drug, azathioprine. The study involves designing a microflora triggered colon-targeted drug delivery system (MCDDS) which consists of a central polysaccharide core and is coated to different film thicknesses with blends of chitosan/Eudragit RLPO, and is overcoated with Eudragit L00 to provide acid and intestinal resistance. The microflora degradation property of gum was investigated in rat caecal medium. Drug release study in simulated colonic fluid revealed that swelling force of the gum could concurrently drive the drug out of the polysaccharide core due to the rupture of the chitosan/Eudargit coating in microflora-activated environment. Chitosan in the mixed film coat was found to be degraded by enzymatic action of the microflora in the colon. Release kinetic data revealed that the optimized MCDDS was fitted well into first-order model, and apparent lag time was found to be 6 hours, followed by Higuchi release kinetics. In vivo study in rabbits shows delayed T max, prolonged absorption time, decreased C max, and absorption rate constant (Ka), indicating a reduced systemic toxicity of the drug as compared to other dosage forms.

Preparation and in vitro dissolution profile of zidovudine loaded microspheres made of Eudragit RS 100, RL 100 and their combinations.

The objective of present investigation was to evaluate the entrapment efficiency of the anti-HIV drug, zidovudine, using two Eudragit polymers of different permeability characteristics and to study the effect of this entrapment on the drug release properties. In order to increase the entrapment efficiency optimum concentration of polymer solutions were prepared in acetone using magnesium stearate as droplet stabilizer. The morphology of the microspheres was evaluated using a scanning electron microscope, which showed a spherical shape with smooth surface. The mean sphere diameter was between 1000-3000 microm and the entrapment efficiencies ranged from 56.4-87.1%. Polymers were used separately and in combination to prepare different microspheres. The prepared microspheres were studied for drug release behavior in phosphate buffer at pH 7.4, because the Eudragit polymers are independent of the pH of the dissolution medium. The release profiles and entrapment efficiencies depended strongly on the structure of the polymers used as wall materials. The release rate of zidovudine from Eudragit RS 100 microspheres was much lower than that from Eudragit RL 100 microspheres. Evaluation of release data reveals that release of zidovudine from Eudragit RL 100 microspheres followed the Higuchi rule, whereas Eudragit RS 100 microspheres exhibited an initial burst release, a lag period for entry of surrounding dissolution medium into polymer matrix and finally, diffusion of drug through the wall material.

Compatibility studies of nateglinide with excipients in immediate release tablets.

Experiments were done to assess the compatibility of nateglinide with selected excipients in the development of immediate release tablets of nateglinide by thermal and isothermal stress testing (IST) techniques. To evaluate the drug-excipient compatibility, different techniques such as differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) study, infra-red (IR) spectrophotometric study and isothermal stress testing were adopted. The results of DSC study showed that magnesium stearate exhibited some interaction with nateglinide. However, the results of IR, and IST studies showed that all the excipients used in the formula were compatible with nateglinide. Optimized formulations developed using the compatible excipients were found to be stable over 3 months of accelerated stability studies (40 ± 2°C and 75 ± 5% RH). Overall, compatibility of excipients with nateglinide was successfully evaluated using a combination of thermal and IST methods and the formulations developed using the compatible excipients were found to be stable.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of methanolic extract of the leaves of Fraxinus floribunda Wallich.

Fraxinus floribunda Wallich (Family-Oleaceae) is a wide green tree in the sub-alpine region of Sikkim, India. The methanolic extract of the leaves of Fraxinus floribunda (MEFF) at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/p.o was screened in rats for anti-inflammatory activity by acute-carrageenan induced paw edema, sub-acute cotton pellet induced granuloma and chronic Freund's adjuvant induced arthritis models. In all the three models of anti- inflammatory studies 200 and 400 mg/kg/p.o doses of the extract showed significant effect (P<0.001). Antinociceptive evaluation was performed by writhing and tail-immersion tests in mice. Anti-nociceptive evaluation revealed that MEFF at the dose of 400 mg/kg/p.o had significant activity against the control. The relieving effect was through the peripheral and central mechanism of action of the extract. This study rationalized the ethno medicinal use of the plant for relieving pain in inflammatory pathological conditions like fracture and dislocation.