Development of Oral Mucoadhesive Tablets of Losartan Potassium using Natural Gum from Manilkara Zapota Seeds

The present investigation reports the isolation of mucilage from Manilkara zapota seeds as per AOAC guideline and evaluating it as mucoadhesive agent. Manilkara zapota (Linn.) P. Royen syn. a small tree belonging to family sapotaceae. Physiochemical characteristics of mucilage, such as swelling index, microbial count, viscosity, hydration capacity, flow property, and pH were studied. The mucilage was evaluated for its mucoadhesive properties in compressed tablet, using losartan potassium as model drug. Granules were prepared by wet granulation process using polyvinylpirrolidone as binding agent. Mucilage was used in four different concentrations i.e. 20, 40 and 60 % w/w. The tablet were prepared and evaluated for its physical property. Further in vitro dissolution and swelling index was determined. The property of bioadhesive strength of isolated mucilage was compared with guar gum and HPMC E5LV, which was used as standard mucoadhesive agent concentration. Bioadhesive strength of the tablet was measured on the modified physical balance. Result revealed that mucilage had good micromeritcs properties and prepared tablets showed good physical properties, further drug release was retarded as concentration of mucilage was increased. The force of adhesion was obtained 0.2337N, 0.4664N, 0.6210N, 0.8679N and 0.3983N respectively for F1, F2, F3, F4 and F5. Formulations were subjected for study of effect of intensity of agitation at different rpm and electrolyte, formulation showed relative effect on release of drug from formulation. All the formulations were subjected to stability studies for three months all formulation showed stability with respect to release pattern. It is concluded that the seed mucilage of Manilkara zapota can be used as a mucoadhesive excipient in oral mucoadhesive drug delivery systems.