Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Research
Vol. 14 No. 3 (2026)

Design and evaluation of sustained-release vildagliptin tablets using natural plant mucilages as functional polymers

Poonam Taru (Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vels Institute of Science Technology and Advanced Studies (VISTAS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. 600117)
T. S. Shanmugarajan (Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vels Institute of Science Technology and Advanced Studies (VISTAS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. 600117)
E. Bhavya (Department of Pharmacy Practice, Saveetha College of Pharmacy, Saveetha Nagar, Chennai, India. 600117)



Article Info

Publish Date
15 May 2026

Abstract

Background: Natural plant-derived mucilages are gaining attention as biodegradable and biocompatible alternatives to synthetic polymers in sustained-release drug delivery systems. This study focuses on the development of prolonged-release matrix tablets of Vildagliptin using mucilages from Mimosa pudica seeds and Tinospora sinensis stems for improved glycemic control in type II diabetes mellitus. Methodology: Mucilages were extracted by aqueous extraction and evaluated for physicochemical properties. The swelling index ranged from 250–280%, with a near-neutral pH (6.5–7.0). Matrix tablets were prepared by direct compression and assessed for hardness (5.2–6.1 kg/cm²), friability (<1%), weight variation, and drug content (98.2–101.4%). In vitro drug release studies were conducted for 12 hours. Drug–polymer compatibility was analyzed using FTIR spectroscopy, and release kinetics were evaluated using mathematical models. Results and Discussion: FTIR analysis confirmed the absence of drug–polymer interactions. The optimized formulation showed 96.8% cumulative drug release over 12 hours, indicating effective sustained-release performance. The release followed the Korsmeyer–Peppas model (R² = 0.97) with anomalous (non-Fickian) transport, suggesting a combination of diffusion and polymer erosion mechanisms. The combination of the two mucilages demonstrated superior release control compared to either polymer alone. Conclusion: Mimosa pudica and Tinospora sinensis mucilages exhibit strong potential as natural matrix-forming agents for sustained-release formulations of Vildagliptin, providing a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to synthetic polymers.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

joapr

Publisher

Subject

Medicine & Pharmacology

Description

Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Research (JOAPR) is an official publication of Creative Pharma Assent (CPA). It is an open access, peer review online international journal. JOAPR is primarily focused on multiple discipline of pharmaceutical sciences (Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Technology, ...