Fruity chews for anti-helminthic delivery
Namita Naik Khanvte, N R Sneha Keerthi and Rajarajeshwari N
Visveswarapura Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, India
: J Pharm Drug Deliv Res
Abstract
Helminthiasis is a macroparasitic disease of humans and animals in which a part of the body is infected with parasitic worms (helminthes) like tapeworms, flukes and round worms. There is a need to develop novel herbal formulation with minimum side effects for better patient compliance. Punica granatum L. Family Punicaceae, is an ancient, mystical, unique fruit. It is reported to have anthelmintic activity in previous literature. The objective of the present work was to develop a formulation convenient for administration and appealing to the patient. Difficulty in swallowing is common among geriatrics and pediatrics, hence to avert this problem, soft fruity chews containing a natural anthelmintic extract were formulated. Soft chews are pleasantly chewable dosage forms which offer an enjoyable mouth feel and chewing experience. They mask odors and provide a prolonged contact with mouth thus enhancing product acceptability in children and adults. The prototype jelly base was formulated using a gelling agent, preservative, flavoring agent, novel natural thickening agent, plasticizer, coloring and cooling agent (Ecocool MP). Finally, herbal extract (Punica granatum) as anthelmintic was incorporated to this jelly base. The developed formulation was evaluated for quality control parameters like appearance, taste, texture and stability. The gummies satisfied the desired physicochemical properties. The formulation was subjected to in vitro anthelmintic activity on Pheretima posthuma and found to exhibit significant level of activity when compared with marketed formulation. Thus, soft fruity chews containing a herbal anthelmintic extract were successfully developed.
Biography
Namita Naik Khanvte is an Assistant Professor at Visveswarapura Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bangalore-70, India. She is actively involved in research and guiding Post-graduate students. She has one Indian patent to her credit.
Email: namsp79@gmail.com
