FORMULATION AND IN-VITRO EVALUATION OF GASTRO-RETENTIVE MICROSPHERE CONTAINING CALENDULA OFFICINALIS FOR THE TREATMENT OF PEPTIC ULCERS USING OKRA MUCILAGE AND ETHYL CELLULOSE

Abstract

The objective of the research was to formulate and evaluate gastro retentive microspheres containing Calendula officinalis for the treatment of Peptic ulcer. An attempt has been made to improve bioavailability and patient compliance by utilizing the concept of microsphere. Microspheres were prepared by solvent evaporation method using ethyl cellulose and okra mucilage. Ethyl cellulose is responsible for sustained release of Calendula officnalis extract whereas okra mucilage aids in mucoadhesion of microsphere. Formulation was optimized using different concentration of polymers and excipients. The Optimized formulation F1 showed 94.31 % release of Calendula officinalis and drug content was found to be 88.3% of Calendula officinalis. The in-vitro studies showed that microspheres were capable of floating up to 12hours in simulated gastric fluid and sustained the release of Calendula officinalis for 12 hours. Scanning electron microscopy showed their spherical size, perforated smooth surface and a cavity inside microspheres.