"Gastroretentive Nanosponge Tablets Of Polyherbal Extracts For UlcerTherapy: Extraction, Formulation, And Pharmacological Evaluation"

Abstract

Gastric ulcer remains a common and burdensome peptic ulcer disease, often caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, NSAID use and oxidative stress. Conventional therapy (antacids, proton-pump inhibitors, H2 blockers, and antibiotics for H. pylori) can have side effects and compliance issues. In this context, gastroretentive delivery of herbal agents offers a promising alternative. We developed a polyherbal nanosponge-based floating tablet incorporating isolated bioactives from Moringa oleifera leaves, Glycyrrhiza glabra roots, and Ficus religiosa bark. The plants were collected, authenticated, and subjected to Soxhlet and maceration extraction (petroleum ether, ethanol, water). Major compounds (quercetin from M. oleifera, 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid from G. glabra, β-sitosterol from F. religiosa) were isolated via chromatography and characterized spectroscopically. Each phytochemical was loaded into β-cyclodextrin-based nanosponges (crosslinked with diphenyl carbonate) at optimized ratios. The nanosponge granules were incorporated into a floating tablet matrix (using polymers like HPMC, effervescent agents). The tablets were evaluated for buoyancy, swelling, and drug release. Extraction yields (e.g., M. oleifera ethanol extract ~8.5% of plant, G. glabra ~15%, F. religiosa ~8.7%) and total phenolic contents were determined; total flavonoids were high (e.g., M. oleifera ≈90.3 mg QE/g, G. glabra ≈59.2 mg QE/g, F. religiosa ≈78.5 mg QE/g). The nanosponge tablets floated >12 h, released ~90-100% of actives in 24 h, and showed enhanced gastric retention. In ethanol-induced ulcer models, polyherbal tablets raised gastric pH, reduced acidity and ulcer index by ~50% vs. control, and  improved mucosal defenses comparable to omeprazole. These findings indicate that herbal nanosponge floating tablets can achieve sustained gastric delivery and synergistic anti-ulcer effects. This study suggests a novel gastroretentive platform for improved management of gastric ulcer, leveraging traditional herbal remedies and advanced nanotechnology.