Formulation and Evaluation of Mucoadhesive Floating Tablets of Andrographis paniculata

Andrographis paniculata is used as a supplement, to promote immune and cellular function, in the treatment of fever, jaundice, liver conditions, common cold and diarrhea. Its major phytoconstituent is Andrographolide, a diterpene lactone with anti-inflammatory activity. However, andrographolide has poor oral bioavailability due to site-specific absorption, weak alkaline hydrolysis, first-pass metabolism, biliary excretion, and low water solubility. During present investigation, floating tablets containing Andrographis paniculata leaves extract were formulated with mucoadhesive properties to prolong gastric residence time and enhance its bioavailability. Tablets were prepared by using polymers like HPMC K₄M and Carbopol 934 in different ratios. The assessment of these formulations included the examination of hardness, thickness, weight variation, friability, swelling index, mucoadhesion, buoyancy, drug content, and in-vitro drug release. The successful tablet was found to have mucoadhesion and floating for more than 24 hrs.