Development of Mucoadhesive Buccal Drug Delivery System of Propranolol Hydrochloride Using Aster ericoides Mucilage

Aims: The study was aimed to develop mucoadhesive buccal tablets using Aster ericoides leaves mucilage. Background: Mucilages are naturally occurring high-molecular-weight polyuronides, which have been extensively studied for their application in different pharmaceutical dosage forms. Objective: The objective of the present research was to establish the mucilage isolated from the leaves of Aster ericoides as an excipient for the formulation of the mucoadhesive buccal tablet. Methods: The mucilage was isolated from the leaves of Aster ericoides by maceration, precipitated with acetone and characterized. Tablets were prepared using wet granulation technique and evaluated for various official tests. Results: The mucilage was found to be non-toxic on A-431 and Vero cell lines. It was insoluble but swellable in cold and hot water. The results indicate that mucilage can form a three-dimensional network. The pH of the mucilage (6.82 ± 0.13) indicated that it might be non-irritant to the buccal cavity. The mucilage was found to be free from microbes. The release of drug was by Fickian diffusion. The in vivo buccal tablet acceptance was 80%. No significant difference between the diastolic blood pressure of standard and Aster tablets treated volunteer group was recorded. Conclusion: It might be concluded that the isolated mucilage from the leaves of Aster ericoides may be used as an excipient for the development of mucoadhesive buccal tablets. Other: However, to prove the potency of the polymer, in vivo bioavailability studies in human volunteers are needed along with chronic toxicity studies in suitable animal models.