Development and Evaluation of Polyherbal Dispersible Tablets Using Aqueous Leaf Extracts

Abstract

The increasing demand for natural and herbal medicines has prompted the exploration of polyherbal formulations as viable therapeutic options. Dispersible tablets offer advantages such as ease of administration and rapid onset of action. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate polyherbal dispersible tablets incorporating aqueous leaf extracts of Camellia sinensis, turmeric, grape seed, oregano, and Salvia officinalis. Polyherbal dispersible tablets were formulated and evaluated for their physicochemical properties, disintegration, and stability. Various extracts, including those from Camellia sinensis, turmeric, grape seed, oregano, and Salvia officinalis, were used. Micromeritic properties, such as angle of repose, bulk density, and Hausner ratio, were assessed. The results revealed that the prepared polyhedral dispersible tablets were non-sticky and looked high-quality. The maximum weight variation obtained was 2.50%, which falls within the acceptable weight variation range, i.e., ±5%, hence passing the weight variation test. The hardness of prepared tablets was in the range of 2.94 to 3.02 kg/cm2, which falls within the limit of not < 3.0 kg/cm2. All the tablets showed a friability value at most 0.90%, which is less than the ideal limit, i.e., 1%. Formulation AP4 exhibited superior characteristics, with rapid disintegration time and stable drug release profile. Stability studies further validated the formulation's consistency under varying storage conditions. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the individual drugs and polyherbal formulation confirmed the presence of phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, alkaloids, carbohydrates, gums & mucilage, fats & fixed oils, steroids, glycosides, phenols, saponins but no volatile oils. The findings underscore the potential of polyherbal dispersible tablets as efficient delivery systems for medicinal herbs. Carr's index and Hauser’s ratio showed that the powder mixtures possess good flow properties. AP1 to AP9 were determined for the uniformity in weight, hardness, drug content and friability, which complied with the official requirements and the official limits mentioned in IP 2010.