Psyllium Husk as a Hydrophilic Matrix Agent for the Release of a Model Drug

Psyllium husk forms the viscous gel by absorbing water. In the present study glipizide was used as a model drug. Swelling behavior study of psyllium was analyzed in 0.1N HCl, phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) and distilled water. Similar medium were used for reconstituted xerogel. Different formulations to analyze the release behavior of glipizide were prepared by using capsule shell ‘1’ and psyllium husk as matrixing agent. The dissolution study of different formulation was performed in six stage dissolution apparatus in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) and 0.1NHCl for 10 hours. The drug-polymer network thus obtained was characterized for drug polymer interaction by FTIR study. It has been observed that in distilled water could maintain its gel consistency for prolonged time than 0.1N HCl and phosphate buffer (p<0.05). It was investigated that 70% of the dispersed drug was released within 10 hours in phosphate buffer. The amount released in 0.1N HCl was significantly different than phosphate buffer (p<0.05). Sustaining effect of formulation was obtained very high when large amount of psyllium husk was used. FTIR study revealed that the dispersed drug was unaffected after matrix formation.