FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MATRIX TABLETS USING MUCILAGE OF TINOSPORA CORDIFOLIA AS NATURAL BINDER

Abstract

Objective: The present research work was to formulate matrix tablets of diclofenac sodium using mucilage extracted from Tinospora cordifolia as a novel binding agent. Also, a comparative study on binding properties of mucilage and carbopol were performed.Methods: Fresh stems of Tinospora cordifolia were collected and mucilage was extracted out using standard method. The isolated mucilage was characterised for physicochemical parameters. Formulation of diclofenac sodium tablets (f1-f6) was done by dry granulation method using 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10% concentration of mucilage of Tinospora cardifolia as natural binder. Carbopol 2% was used as synthetic matrix forming agent. Microcrystalline cellulose was used as diluents, magnesium stearate and talc as lubricant. The formulated tablets were evaluated for parameters such as tablet thickness, hardness, weight variation, disintegration time, percent friability and in vitro drug release characteristics. The drug release mechanism was determined by fitting the release data into different kinetics models.Results: The results revealed that all the pre and post compression parameters of the formulated tablets (f1-f6) were in compliance with pharmacopoeial limits. In vitro drug release studies showed that formulation f6 containing maximum concentration of mucilage release the drug in a most controlled and sustained manner with maximum drug release of 63.6% in 15 h in comparison with f1(2% carbopol) giving 80% release and was found to be stable for 3 mo as indicated by stability studies. The mechanism of drug releases from formulation f1-f6 was found to be polymer disentanglement and erosion. Preformulation studies using FTIR study reveals that there is no incompatibility between the pure drug and mucilage of tinospora cardifolia used.Conclusion: Based on the experimental findings it can be concluded that Tinospora cordifolia mucilage can be used as a release retardant agent in the formulation of sustained release dosage forms.