Acta Pharm. 63 (2013) 209-222

full paper

Original research paper

Formulation and in vitro evaluation of metformin hydrochloride loaded microspheres prepared with polysaccharide extracted from natural sources

HEMANTA KUMAR SHARMA, SUNITA LAHKAR and LILA KANTA NATH

hemantasharma123@yahoo.co.in

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh-786004, Assam, India

Accepted January 17, 2013

The present work envisages utilisation of biodegradable and biocompatible material from natural sources for the development of controlled release microspheres of metformin hydrochloride (MetH). Natural polysaccharides extracted from Dillenia indica L. (DI), Abelmoschus esculentus L. (AE) and Bora rice flour were used in fabricating controlled release microspheres. The microspheres were prepared by the emulsion solvent diffusion technique with different proportions of natural materials and were studied for entrapment efficiency, particle size, particle shape, surface morphology, drug excipient compatibility, mucoadhesivity and in vitro release properties. The prepared microspheres showed mucoadhesive properties and controlled release of metformin hydrochloride. The study has revealed that natural materials can be used for formulation of controlled release microspheres and will provide ample opportunities for further study.

Keywords: metformin hydrochloride, Dillenia indica, Abelmoschus esculentus, Bora rice, emulsion solvent diffusion technique, mucoadhesive, microspheres