Development and Evaluation of Herbal Floating Tablets Based on Natural Mucilage for Diabetes Management

Objectives: The study aimed to develop and evaluate floating tablets of Boerhavia diffusa extract to enhance gastric retention and provide controlled release for effective management of diabetes mellitus. Methods: Floating tablets were prepared using Trigonella foenum-graecum mucilage and HPMC K100M by wet granulation. Pre-formulation studies, FTIR compatibility tests, and phytochemical screening were performed. The tablets were evaluated for pre- and post-compression parameters, in-vitro buoyancy, swelling index, dissolution, kinetic modeling, and stability studies as per ICH guidelines. Results: All formulations showed acceptable micromeritic properties and mechanical strength. The swelling index increased progressively up to 8 h, with formulation F5 exhibiting the highest swelling capacity. In-vitro buoyancy tests confirmed floating lag times of less than 1 min and sustained flotation for more than 10 h. Dissolution studies demonstrated drug release in the range of 70.61–89.56% over 12 h, with F5 showing the most controlled release profile. Kinetic modeling indicated zero-order release with non-Fickian diffusion. Stability testing over three months confirmed no significant changes in hardness, drug content, or release characteristics. Conclusion: The optimized formulation (F5) demonstrated desirable swelling, buoyancy, and sustained release properties, establishing Boerhavia diffusa floating tablets as a promising gastro-retentive delivery system with potential therapeutic benefits in diabetes management.