Abstract

Psyllium is a natural polysaccharide which is administered as bulk laxative. This study wasundertaken to investigate psyllium's physicomechanical properties and also evaluation of its retardant properties. Several formulations containing variable amounts of psyllium and excipients examined to achieve optimized formulations. Then flowability, friability and hardness of prepared formulations were studied. Ultimately to evaluate the effects of mentioned formulations on dissolution profile of sodium diclofenac and release retardant property of psyllium, dissolution test was done. The results showed that better flowability was obtained when using different fillers in combination with psyllium. Incorporation of fillers showed harder compacts and better results were obtained using microcrystallincolloluse as filler. Formulations including sodium diclofenac mentioned, caused retardation of drug in dissolution tests that is suitable for preparing sustained release formulations. By introducing novel formulations in this study not only did physicomechanical properties of psyllium improve but also made it possible to alternate this natural polysaccharide as retardant polymer instead of other expensive synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers.

Key words: Psyllium, physicomechanical properties, sodium diclofenac, retarding ability.