Potentials of Sterculia tragacantha Lindl seed husk gum as a release modifier in matrix tablet formulation

Timma Oto-Obong Uwah, Ekaette Ibanga Akpabio, Tenderwealth Clement Jackson, Daniel Ekpa Effiong * and Emma Uduk

Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
 
Research Article
GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2023, 25(02), 025–037.
Article DOI: 10.30574/gscbps.2023.25.2.0442
Publication history: 
Received on 11 September 2023; revised on 24 October 2023; accepted on 26 October 2023
 
Abstract: 
Natural gums have been utilized severally in the design of matrix tablets, either in their native or modified forms. The primary objective of this work was the extraction, characterization and utilization of the seed husk gum from Sterculia tragacantha Lindl as a release modifier in theophylline matrix tablets.
Gum was extracted from the fresh seed husk of Sterculia tragacantha and tablet formulated via wet granulation. Drug-polymer compatibility was determined by FTIR and DSC while formulated tablets were evaluated for their in vitro dissolution release profile in two media, simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) and compared with a commercial brand. Extracted gum powder presented a poor flow which improved on granulation, had a better swelling index and water holding capacity than tragacanth gum.
Formulated tablets passed standard tablets test and sustained theophylline release up to 90.97 % and 88.09 % in SGF and SIF respectively at the twelfth hour. Drug release kinetics was by zero order in SGF via non-fickian diffusion. S. tragacantha seed husk gum presented a promising potential as a release retarding agent.
 
Keywords: 
Sterculia tragacantha; Matrix tablet; Natural gums; Release retardant; Theophylline
 
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