Study on jelly fig extract as a potential hydrophilic matrix for controlled drug delivery

The principal component of aqueous extract of jelly fig (Ficus awkeotsang Makino) seeds is a pectin-type polysaccharide, gelling even at room temperature without adding any sugars, acids or ions. The objective of this study was to evaluate jelly fig extract (JF) as a matrix base for sustained release tablets. Drug release profile from JF tablet was examined using theophylline as a model drug, compared with those from USP graded pectin (USP-P). Release profile from JF tablet was a sustained release pattern and not affected by pH of medium. USP-P tablet showed a similar release profile of JF tablet, however, the release mechanisms differed. Matrix erosion studies revealed that the percentage of drug released from USP-P tablet was proportional to that of matrix eroded. On the other hand, JF tablet was eroded up to 50% of matrix for 4h and showed a constant value thereafter. According to water uptake studies, JF tablet showed an initial burst swelling followed by slow water uptake, suggesting diffusion-controlled kinetics in later phase. Moreover, theophylline release rate from JF tablet was modified by drug content in the tablet, increasing with decrease in drug amount. These findings indicated JF was a potential hydrophilic matrix for controlled drug delivery.