APPLICATION OF A POLYSACCHARIDE DERIVED FROM TRECULIA AFRICANA AS A SUSTAINED RELEASE HYDROPHILIC MATRIX FOR THEOPHYLLINE HYDRATE TABLET

Abstract

A hydrophilic polysaccharide obtained from Treculia africana fruit was employed as a release matrix for theophylline hydrate tablets. The polysaccharide was employed at concentration levels of 0-30%w/w and tablets were formulated using the wet granulation method. There was a relatively prolonged release of theophylline from Treculia gum matrix at all concentrations employed, an effect that was concentration dependent. Treculia gum matrix exerted the highest retardant effect on theophylline release in simulated intestinal fluid pancreatin (SIF) and least in simulated gastric fluid without pepsin (SGF). There was no enhancement on theophylline release when a hydrophilic plasticizer was incorporated into the tablets. The release kinetics of theophylline from the polymer matrix at all concentrations was of dominant controlled mechanism. While Tragacanth was superior to Treculia gum, the latter performed better than sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC) as a sustained release hydrophilic matrix for theophylline hydrate.


Key Words: Polysaccharide, Treculia africana, Moreaceae, Hydrophilic matrix, theophylline hydrate and dissolution rate.


Nig. J. Nat. Prod. And Med. Vol.2 1998: 37-41