Design, optimization and comparative IN VITRO evaluation of sustain release matrix tablet using ARAUCARIA HETEROPHYLLA gum

Abstract

The present study deals with the formulation of oral sustained-release tablets using natural gum of Araucaria heterophylla, and the results were compared  with existing polymer. The gum was isolated from the bark exudates of Araucaria heterophylla  tree. Sustain release matrix tablets of aceclofenac as a model drug were prepared with the proportions 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% of Araucaria heterophylla gum by direct compression method. The results were compared with sustain release matrix tablets formulated from similar proportions of Guar gum and HPMC K4M. The tablets were evaluated for their physical characteristics. The formulation with 30% concentration of the gum showed a release of 91.68±0.72% whereas the formulation with 30% guar gum showed drug release of 91.26±0.41% after 8 hrs, while HPMC at 30% concentration gave a drug release of 86.26±0.61after 8 hrs. The other parameters were satisfactory and were within the Pharmacopoeial limits. The stability studies carried out under accelerated conditions as per ICH guidelines infer that the gum is chemically stable, compatible and maintain its physical and in vitro characteristics throughout the shelf life of the formulations.