Development of controlled release spheroids using Buchanania cochinchinesis gum

Chirauli nut gum was isolated from the bark of Buchanania cochinchinesis (fam. Anacadiacea) and was used as arelease modifier for the preparation of Diclofenac sodium spheroids using the extrusion spheronizationtechnique. The process was studied for the effects on variables when making spheroids with satisfactoryparticle shape, size and size distribution. The prepared spheroids were characterized for surface morphology,qualitative surface porosity, friability, bulk density and flow properties. In vitro studies demonstrated that therelease exhibited Fickian diffusion kinetics which was confirmed by the Higuchi and the Korsmeyer-Peppasmodels. The physico-chemical parameters of the gum could be correlated to the in vitro dissolution profile ofthe spheroids. The spheroids were not able to sustain the drug releases over 12 hours. A greater concentrationof Chirauli nut gum and a process that can accommodate such greater concentrations may produce aformulation capable of significant sustained release.