Exploring gallic acid-rich leaf extract: Formulation and characterization of antioxidant blends

Abstract

Antioxidant supplements derived from plants can aid in protecting cells from oxidative stress, which has been connected to various chronic illnesses. The formulation of antioxidant tablets faces challenges due to the unfavorable physicochemical and mechanical properties of dry plant extracts. The utilization of wet plant extracts and sugars in antioxidant tablet development can offer improved solubility, stability, and palatability, enhancing the overall efficacy and acceptability of the formulation. In this work, gallic acid-rich Ficus auriculata leaf extract was utilized as the active component in the development of antioxidant formulations. Formulations were prepared using starch, a biopolymer, and sugars as the major excipients and characterized. The formulations containing a higher concentration of hygroscopic components were sticky and unsuitable for tableting, while free-flowing formulations were formed into tablets. The disintegration times of all the tablets were less than 15 min, satisfying Indian Pharmacopoeia norms. The antioxidant activity of the formulations increased with an increase in the extract. The formulations demonstrated good stability in acidic and alkaline environments. Findings from the present study showed that antioxidant tablets with desirable properties can be prepared using plant extract and readily available excipients.