Exploring the synergistic effect in polyherbal chewable antacid tablets: formulation and evaluation study

Abstract

Polyherbal chewable tablets of Phyllanthus emblica and Glycyrrhiza glabra were developed with the objective to formulate an effective, safe and convenient dosage form for acid-related disorders. A standard calibration curve was constructed for Polyherbal extracts through UV-Spectrophotometry, achieving an absorbance maximum at 275 nm. Compatibility between the drug and excipients was examined through FTIR studies. Various pre-compression parameters, like bulk density, tapped density, compressibility index, Hausner’s ratio and angle of repose, were assessed for the powder blend. The tablets were evaluated for post-compression parameters, such as thickness, hardness, friability, and weight variation and disintegration time. The drug release study was conducted in vitro. The acid-neutralizing capacity of the formulated batches was compared with marketed formulations. The calibration curve showed a high correlation coefficient (r2=0.9972), suggesting accuracy and reliability. FTIR analysis confirmed the compatibility between the drug and excipients. Pre-compression studies revealed an acceptable range for all parameters, indicating good flow properties. For instance, Carr’s Index for all batches varied from 14.31% to 24.41%, and the angle of repose ranged from 33.7 to 35.21 degrees. Post-compression parameters were within the standard limits with hardness between 4.9 to 6.1 kg/cm2 and friability less than 1% for all batches. In vitro drug release showed a gradual increase over time with PF9 achieving 98.63% release at 60 min. The acid-neutralization capacity was highest for the combined extract at 27.83±0.34 mEq/g and PF9 batch at 28.12±0.43 mEq/g, demonstrating their effectiveness in neutralizing acid.

Keywords

• polyherbal chewable tablet
• phyllanthus emblica
• glycyrrhiza glabra
• pre-compression parameters
• post-compression parameters
• in vitro drug release
• acid-neutralizing capacity