TRIGONELLA FOENUM-GRAECUM L. SEED MUCILAGE-BASE MUCOADHESIVE MICROSPHERES OF DICLOFENAC SODIUM

The study was aimed to discover the properties of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. seed mucilage (TFGSM) in the formulation of mucoadhesive microspheres of diclofenac sodium to prolong the residence time at the site of absorption. Diclofenac sodium microspheres were formulated by ion gelation technique. Different polymer ratios of TFGSM and sodium alginate were used to formulate eight formulations (F1 to F8) of TFGSM-based mucoadhesive microspheres of diclofenac sodium and characterized by determining their percentage yield, drug entrapment efficiency, swelling index, mucoadhesive and drug release. The drug entrapment efficiency of all eight formulations was within the range of 78 to 98% with the sustained in-vitro release of over 8 h. The in-vitro drug release of these microspheres followed controlled release (zero-order). The microspheres possessed good swelling properties and mucoadhesive properties. Diclofenac sodium microspheres were observed to adhere strongly with gastric mucosa with approximately 14 h of prolonged stay expecting improved bioavailability and reduced dosing frequency and subsequently improving patient’s compliance. Diclofenac sodium microspheres can be effectively used for sustained drug release and prolonged residence at the site of absorption.