Abstract
Objective: The purpose of the present investigation was to develop and characterize a novel herbal formulation (polymeric microspheres) of Syzygium cumini seed extract.Methods: The extract-loaded microspheres using biological macromolecule ethyl cellulose (EC) was prepared by o/w emulsion solvent evaporation technique using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) emulsifier. The effect of various process and formulation variables (stirring speed, evaporation time, drug/polymer ratio and organic/aqueous phase ratio) on the properties of microspheres was evaluated.Results: Micromeritic properties indicated good flow properties, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the spherical nature of the prepared microspheres. The particle size and entrapment efficiency were varied between 34.25 to 176.25 µm and 10.51 to 42% depending upon the variables. All the formulations showed minimal drug release in an acidic environment (pH 1.2) confirming the prevention of drug release in the stomach and enteric nature of the polymer. Sustained drug release has been observed in alkaline dissolution media (pH 7.4) after 12 h of drug release study except for formulation F7 which contains a lower concentration of polymer. The fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis indicated the compatibility of the extract with the polymer. The absence of extract-polymer interaction was indicated by the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermogram. x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the amorphous nature of the extract in the microspheres which in pure form exhibits a crystalline structure.Conclusion: The findings of this present study suggest that microsphere formulation was a promising carrier for novel delivery of herbal drugs.
Highlights
Herbal medicines are the oldest form of health care and the future of medicine is rooted in the past
Herbal medicines have acquired more importance in the treatment of diabetes as they are free from side effects and less expensive when compared to synthetic hypoglycemic agents [4]
To overcome these limitations, developing the novel herbal drug delivery system (NHDDS) with better absorption profile is of premier importance [1]
Summary
Herbal medicines are the oldest form of health care and the future of medicine is rooted in the past. Conventional formulation (powder dosage form) of Syzygium cumini seed is available commercially and the diabetic people widely use it to regulate their blood glucose level. Drugs of natural origin suffer from poor physicochemical properties, which are related to their poor bioavailability, diminishing their therapeutic potency despite their extraordinary potential [6] To overcome these limitations, developing the novel herbal drug delivery system (NHDDS) with better absorption profile is of premier importance [1]. These novel formulations are advantageous over conventional formulations regarding enhancement of solubility, stability, membrane permeability, bioavailability, improved pharmacological activity through sustained release profile and reduced toxicity [6]. Micro/nano-sized NHDDS have a potential future for enhancing the activity and overcoming problems associated with plant medicines [1]
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