Development of a Gastroretentive Polyherbal Formulation and its Standardization

Background: Phytopharmaceuticals within the shape of the entire herb, plant parts, or separated bioactive constituents have been utilized broadly in therapeutics since antiquated times till date. The appealing use of drugs of the natural root has driven the requirement for standardization as per the WHO guidelines. Objectives: The main aim of the existing study was to formulate polyherbal gastroretentive capsules by using Carbopol 934 and 971P in different concentration ranges to get desired buoyancy rate. Materials and Methods: The prepared formulation was characterized by physico-chemical parameters and pharmaceutical quality control tests. Standard procedures were used to estimate the organoleptic properties, extractive values, and ash values of the crude drugs used in formulations. Extraction was carried out using Soxhlation followed by preliminary phytochemical evaluation and HPTLC fingerprinting of the extracts. The extracts were formulated into a gastroretentive polyherbal capsule and assessed for physical parameters. Results: The phytochemical assessment established the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, steroids, and glycosides. Rf values obtained from the HPTLC studies of the extracts signified the presence of important phytoconstituents such as Shogaols, 6-Gingerol, 8-Gingerol, Glycyrrhizin, Andrographolides, Marmelosin, and Conessine. Percent Carr’s consolidation index ranging from 8.111 ± 0.157 to 8.827 ± 0.186, Hausner’s ratio between 1.088 ± 0.002 to 1.097 ± 0.002, and angle of repose below 30 are indicative of excellent flow property of the granules. Conclusion: The gastroretentive capsules PHF4 containing granules formulated using 75 mg Carbopol 971P showed a buoyancy effect of more than 24 hr with desired structural integrity.