Effect of P.major Mucilage: HPMCK4M Ratio on the Bioadhesive and Dissolution Rate of Propranolol HCl Buccoadhesive Tablets

Background and Pharmaceutical aspects of mucoadhesion have been the subject of great interest during recent years because it provides the possibility of avoiding either destruction by gastrointestinal contents or hepatic first-pass inactivation of drug. In this study, polysaccharide mucilage derived from the seeds of Plantago major L. (Plantaginaceae family) was investigated for use in matrix formulations containing propranolol hydrochloride.
An experimental study was performed in which the mixture of Plantago major seeds in 0.1 N HCl was macerated on a heater and was filtered through a cotton cloth. The mucilage was precipitated by ethanol. Then several ratios of the drug-mucilage and drug-mucilage-polymer were prepared. The polymer selected for comparison was HMPCK4M. Drug release, swelling, erosion, hardness, and bioadhesion were evaluated.
Maximum bioadhesive strength was observed with F1 and the lowest bioadhesive strength was seen with F6. The results also showed that bioadhesive force decreased with increase in the amount of mucilage. As the amount of mucilage increased initial drug release as well as drug release in the later hours was increased. The lowest and the highest release rate was observed in F1 and F7 with highest amount of polymer and mucilage (70 mg), respectively.
P. major seed mucilage could be used as a bioadhessive polymer. This mucilage also controlled the release profile of drug.