Gastroretentive Metformin Loaded Nanoparticles for the Effective Management of Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus

Metformin, an anti-diabetic drug, has low bioavailability and short biological half-life. Thus, bioavailability enhancement and prolonged release of the drug are highly desirable. In this regard, we aimed to developed gastroretentive nanoparticles made of jackfruit seed starch (JFSS) loaded with metformin.

Developed nanoparticles were optimized for various process variables and were further characterized. Nanoparticles exhibited good results with respect to particle size (244.3 to 612.4 nm), particle size distribution, shape and drug entrapment efficiency (75.8 to 89.2%) with sustained drug release for 24 h and a high buoyancy (89% for F7; formulation made of highest concentration of Jackfruit seed starch prepared at 1000 RPM stirring speed).

The hypoglycemic potential of these nanoparticles was tested in nicotinamide streptozocin induced diabetic model, there was a significant reduction in blood glucose level (50% reduction from 4-8 h; p < 0.01) for prolonged period of time (up to 24 h) in comparison to diabetic control and plain metformin solution.

The outcome of the study suggested that developed formulations are suitable for gastro- retentive delivery of Metformin in a controlled manner appropriate for a single administration per day.