An Alternative Excipient from Vegetable Source for Oral Drug Dosage Forms to Regulate Drug Delivery

Introduction: Tablet is the preferred drug dosage form. Cellulose fiber (Micro Crystalline
Cellulose) is the major excipient used. For chronic diseases, frequent dosage is required resulting
in cumulative excipient load and tachyphylaxis due to drug. We intent to invent excipients from
vegetable sources to mitigate above challenges and reduce dosage as chronic sufferers (Diabetes
mellitus) requires lifelong treatment. Aims and Objectives: To develop an excipient from
Brassica oleracea and Vigna radiata sprouting which can regulate drug delivery, avoid excipient
led toxicity and tachyphylaxis. Materials and Methods: Alkali and acid based depolymerization
method was followed and cellulose fibers were studied for safety, physical, chemical and
molecular parameters. With the developed cellulose fibers two drugs were formulated using
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient- Metformin and Miglitol. Efficacy was assayed using cell
lines-Neuroblastoma, Kidney HK-2, L6 Myoblasts, 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes, INS-1 and HEPG 2
hepatocytes and compared with conventional micro crystalline cellulose- based formulations.
Results: Characterization of developed excipients was done in comparison with conventional
cellulose, invented excipients had long fibers, higher bulk density, flow, even particle size
compared to conventional cellulose. Dissolution and disintegration of Metformin from Brassica
oleracea fiber was slow and Miglitol showed quick release from Vigna radiata compared toconventional excipient. Therapeutic effect of both drugs from developed excipients was highercompared to conventional excipient-based drug by cell culture assay. Both developed excipientsdid not show mutagenic effect. Conclusion: Brassica oleracea fiber slows release of metformin;may reduce drug dosage, tachyphylaxis, release of Miglitol from Vigna radiata was rapid, may
compliment metformin therapy.