Investigation of natural materials for drug delivery

Abstract

In an attempt to avoid complexities associated with development of semi synthetic and synthetic excipients, comparatively less development area of herbal products was tried. The aim of investigation was undertaken with a view to create orally disintegrating tables (ODTs) of Paracetamol (acetaminophen), a pain reliever and a fever reducer drug, using the Ocimum basilicum L (OBL) seeds as novel disintegrating agent. The ODTs of Paracetamol were prepared by applying conventional wet granulation method. Evaluation of tablets was done for weight variation, hardness, friability, wetting time, disintegration time, drug content, dissolution studies and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) measurement. The formulation F14 containing 15 % OBL of method 3 showed good wetting time and disintegration time as compared to formulation prepared using others method at the same hardness and concentration of OBL. Hence batch F14 was considered as optimized formulation and the present work revealed that OBL seeds have good potential as disintegrant in the formulation of orally disintegrating tablets. Since OBL seeds are inexpensive as compared to synthetic disintegrant, non-toxic, compatible and easy to manufacture. Hence, the partial replacement of the semi synthetic and synthetic disintegrants by the eco-friendly natural materials will lead to development of economic formulations. Keyword: Orally disintegrating tablets, Ocimum Basilicum L seeds, Paracetamol, wet granulation.