FORMULATION OF CINNAMOMUM ZEYLANICUM IMMEDIATE RELEASE TABLETS AS AN ANTHELMINTIC

Globally, a vast number of people are affected by helminth parasites. The emergence of anthelmintic resistance has paved the way for new leads into potential anthelmintic agents, which may be alternatives to already existing ones. The mode of presentation of herbal medicines affects patient compliance. Traditionally, Cinnamomum zeylanicum is used in the management of helminth infestations. This study sought to evaluate the anthelmintic activities of the crude ethanol extracts of Cinnamomum zeylanicum to authenticate its folkloric use and formulate a dosage form of the most efficacious extract. The leaf and bark powder obtained from the ethanol extract was subjected to phytochemical screening. In-vitro experiments were conducted on Pheretima posthuma and Haemonchus contortus using various concentrations of Cinnamomum zeylanicum leaf and bark extracts. Immediate-release tablets were successfully formulated from Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark extract. The formulated tablets passed the uniformity of weight, friability, disintegration, and hardness tests. The tablets were found to contain the right amount of the extract and produced good in-vitro drug release throughout the duration of the study. There was no change in the physicochemical properties of the tablets over a period of six months. Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark extract has been successfully formulated into an immediate-release tablet as an anthelmintic agent.