Formulation and Evaluation of Sustained Release Matrix Tablet of Nimesulide Using Pomegranate Peel and Acacia

The main objective of the study is the formulation and evaluation of sustained release matrix tablet of Nimesulide using pomegranate peel and acacia as natural polymer. The preformulation study of Nimesulide was conducted and λmax was found at 300 nm. The sustained release matrix tablet was prepared using Pomegranate peel as Release rate retardant, Acacia as polymer, Polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 as Binder, Isopropyl alcohol as Granulation solution, Micro Crystalline Cellulose as Diluent, Magnesium stearate as Lubricant and Talc as Glidant. Several formulations were prepared by taking different drug concentration in Pomegranate peel (Release rate retardant) with varying ratio of binder to lubricants. Various formulations of sustained release matrix tablet of Nimesulide F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 was prepared. The prepared granules were evaluated for different parameters like Bulk density, Tapped density, Angle of repose, Carr's index, Hausner's ratio which shows the excellent flow properties of formulation. The physical characteristic of Nimesulide sustained release matrix tablets (F1 to F6) such as thickness, diameter, hardness, friability, weight variation and drug content were determined and results of the formulations (F1 to F6) found to be within the limits specified in official books. The drug content of all the formulation were found to be in the range of 99.59 to 99.83 % w/w, which is within the specified limit as per Indian Pharmacopoeia 1996 (i.e. 90-110% w/w). The drug released from formulation F1 to F3 was found to be 93.7, 92.9 and 92.2 % for Nimesulide respectively. The drug released from formulation F4 to F6 was found to be 94.1, 93.9 and 92.8% for Nimesulide respectively. The release rate of F1 and F4 was found to be higher when compared to other formulations this is due to increase in the concentration of polymer. These results are indicating that has higher drug retarding ability for long duration. All the formulations were analyzed for stability testing. All the formulations from F1 to F6 were found to be stable.