PSYLLIUM HUSK AS A RETARDANT POLYMER FOR BUCCAL FILMS

The aim of present study was to evaluate buccal mucoadhesive films for controlled release of chlorhexidine to treat oral Recurrent Aphtous Stomatitis (RAS). Mono-layered mucoadhesive buccal films, containing 5 mg chlorhexidine base for local delivery to the oral cavity, were formulated by C.S.E. technique. A number of different bioadhesive and film-forming semi-synthetic and natural polymers, such as SCMC, HPMC and also Psyllium husk, as novel mucoadhesive agent opportunely treated, was evaluated for comparison; PEG was used as a plasticizer It was possible to change the amount of these excipients to modulate the mucoadhesive effect. The film formulations were characterized in terms of drugs content, morphology surface and drug release behavior (to maintain the salivary concentration of the drug above the MIC against C. albicans for a prolonged period of time). All the prepared buccal bioadhesive films were found to be satisfactorily good in terms of elasticity, flexibility and provided an in vitro controlled release of drug and particularly when chlorhexidine was incorporated in psyllium-extracted/SCMC-based film. In the presence of Psyllium husk the drug release was delayed due to slow swelling of this polymer, showing prolonged zero-order release.