Characterization of natural polymers from jackfruit pulp, calendula flowers and tara seeds as mucoadhesive and controlled release components in buccal tablets

Identification and physiochemical parameters such as solubility, loss on drying, viscosity, pH, swelling index, starch and gum constituents were determined in natural polymers and showed satisfactory results. Spectral studies established the compatibility of natural polymers. The drug release kinetics in preliminary trial batches showed that tablets containing natural mucilages and gum showed a prolonged drug release comparable to Carbopol 974P and Methocel K4M. Also, all tablets showed a satisfactory drug permeability flux. Acute toxicity studies confirmed the safety of natural polymers. Using response surface method supported by 23 factorial design, the optimized buccoadhesive tablets (C1) with drug release at 8 h (R8h, %) of 53.48 ± 0.048% showed controlled release over ≥8 h and followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas model with anomalous (non-Fickian) diffusion mechanism. Mucoadhesive strength was found to be 42.71 ± 0.49 g. Comparative dissolution study between prepared and marketed formulation showed that there was no significant difference in drug release profile having similarity factor 82.97. In vivo study for optimized formulation of the buccoadhesive tablets showed the better absolute bioavailability (71.26%) against the oral solution (51.22%). Histological study confirmed non-irritant nature and stability study indicated stability of the formulation.