Formulation and characterization of gastro-retentive floating tablet contained curcuminoids from Curcuma Longa extracts for treatment of gastric ulcers

Curcuminoids, natural polyphenolic compounds extracted from the rhizomes of turmeric (Curcuma longa L), are known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, antiviral, and antifungal actions. It is also known that the delivery of curcuminoids for local and treatment of gastric disorders, such as gastric ulcers, can use gastro-retentive floating (GRF) devices. The purpose of this research is to formulate and evaluate a floating tablet of curcuminoids that have a longer residence time in the stomach for the treatment of gastric ulcers. The GRF tablets were formulated by mixing the extract of turmeric that contains curcuminoids with low-density hydroxypropyl methylcelluloses (HPMC) polymers, such as HPMC K4M, HPMC E15, and ethyl cellulose (EC) in different weight ratios. An effervescent agent that can form a floating system was also added. The GRF tablets were prepared using the direct compression technique. The characterization of the tablet included the weight variation, hardness, friability, drug loading, in vitro dissolution studies, and floating lag time. The combination of ethyl cellulose and HPMC K4M in the formulation of GRF tablet showed good characteristics of mass uniformity, hardness, and friability, as well as low floating lag time and high curcuminoids cumulative release in the stomach. The result showed that the GRF tablet has potential as a floating system for delivering curcuminoids to the gastric area via oral administration.