Evaluation of mucoadhesive potential of gum cordia, an anionic polysaccharide

The study involves mucoadhesive evaluation by formulating buccal discs using fluconazole as the model drug. The effect of compression pressure and gum cordia/lactose ratio on the ex vivo bioadhesion time and in vitro release of fluconazole was optimized using central composite experimental design. It was observed that the response ex vivo bioadhesion time was affected significantly by the proportion of gum cordia in the buccal discs while the in vitro release of fluconazole from the buccal discs was influenced significantly by the compression pressure. The optimized batch of buccal discs comprised of gum cordia/lactose – 0.66, fluconazole – 20 mg and was compressed at the pressure of 6600 kg. Further, it provided the ex vivo bioadhesion of 22 h and in vitro release of 80% in 24 h. In conclusion, gum cordia is a promising bucoadhesive polymer.

► Gum cordia was evaluated for mucoadhesive applications by formulating buccal discs of fluconazole.
► Ex vivo bioadhesion time of buccal discs was affected significantly by the proportion of gum cordia.
► In vitro release was affected significantly by compression pressure.
► Optimized buccal discs provided ex vivo bioadhesion of 22 h and in vitro release of 80% in 24 h.