Exploring the Potential of Momordica charantia Fruits Mucilage as a Novel Pharmaceutical Excipient

Abstract

Background: The discovery and developments of new drug formulations are inspired by medicinal plants. Polysaccharides, such as mucilage or gum from medicinal plants, have a variety of physicochemical properties and are commonly used in pharmaceutical applications. Objectives: The current study's objectives are to construct and assess Metformin HCl tablets employing Momordica charantia (MC) natural mucilage as a binder and release modifier. Methods: The mucilage was isolated from the fruits of MC. The tablet was made using a wet granulation process, and the formulation included several mucilage ratios (1%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10%). Results: It was found that the granules and tablets had good flow qualities based on results of the pre- and post-compression parameters. The release kinetic study showed that F4 showed the first order release kinetics and F8 showed the zero and the higuchi’s release kinetics. In low concentration of mucilage tablets showed good binding properties with immediate release properties. As the concentration was increased, tablets showed good binding properties with sustained release properties. Conclusion: The isolated mucilage from Momordica charantias has the potential to be used as a tablet binder and as an intermediary in the development of a sustained-release drug