An Innovative Approach in Developing Sustained Release Matrix Tablets using Isolated and Characterized Novel Ceasalpinia sappan L. Seed Galactomannan

Introduction: The aim of the study is to develop a galactomannan-based drug delivery system. In this work galactomannan, a biocompatible polymer was isolated from a novel plant source. The seeds of the indigenous plant Caesalpinia sappan L. of the family Caesalpiniaceae were used for the extraction of galactomannan. Materials and Methods: The galactomannan was extracted by maceration and then purified. The purified polymer was characterized by physicochemical methods, FTIR studies, DSC study, SEM, thixotropic studies, microbial load and cytotoxic studies. In order to demonstrate its sustained release character a tablet formulation was prepared and propranalol was used as the model drug. The tablets were evaluated. The data obtained from in in-vitro drug release were fitted into different drug release models and the mechanism of drug release was determined. Results and Discussion: The FTIR studies of the isolated galactomannan revealed the presence of specific peaks for galactose, mannose and for glycosidic bonds. The DSC study showed a peak at 115ºC. The flow curve resulted in a pseudoplastic flow which is suitable for controlled drug delivery. A 72% recovery from sol to gel form was observed in the thixotropic studies. Cytotoxicity study proved the safety of the polymer and microbial load was found to be within the accepted limit. Sustained release property is demonstrated by formulating a matrix tablet of propranolol HCl using the isolated polymer. The formulated tablets complied with all the evaluation tests. The drug release pattern for about 16 hr was obtained through in vitro dissolution testing and the release mechanism was found to be fitting to Korsmeyer Peppa’s model. Conclusion: Galactomannan was successfully isolated and purified from Caesalpinia sappan seed and all the properties have been studied extensively. Galactomannan isolated from Caesalpinia sappan L seed can be used as an excellent pharmaceutical excipient for the formulation of matrix tablets.