FORMULATION DEVELOPMENT OF LYOPHILIZED FLOATING BEADS CONTAINING GINGER EXTRACT AND NIGELLA SATIVA OIL

Lyophillized floating beads have been investigated as a possible gastro-retentive dosage forms containing Ginger (Zingiber Officinalis) extract ( ZOE) and Nigella Sativa oil (NSO). Emulsion gelation method was used in preparation of ZOE-NSO entrapped floating alginate beads. Drug content and floating properties of the beads were found to be satisfactory. The results revealed that lyophillized beads showed better floating behaviour (>8 hrs). The formulations containing sodium alginate at 3% w/v concentration with 30 % w/v calcium chloride for cross-linking and 30 min for curing time presented with optimum drug release (8 hrs) and floating time (>24 hrs). The optimized formulation was subjected to storage at 40 and 50 degrees C / relative humidity of 60% for a period of three months. In vitro release data of the optimized batch presented Higuchi-diffusion and Korsmeyer Peppas models with Non-Fickian release. The data proposed that the prepared lyophilized NSO and ZOE hydrogel beads delivered their active ingredients by diffusion and erosion mechanisms.