Development of non-effervescent floating matrix tablets based on Euryale ferox seeds

Euryale ferox (family Nymphaeaceae), a plant belonging to the water lily family, grows in water ponds and remains buoyant on water surface. Similarly, its edible seeds also remain afloat in a wide variety of liquid mediums. Thus, the purpose of this study was to develop non-effervescent floating matrix tablets using E. ferox seeds powder (EFSP). Different matrix tablets were prepared using hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) K4M, ciprofloxacin HCl and EFSP. The effects of various formulation variables were investigated on in vitro drug release and in vitro floating behavior of the matrix tablets. With increase in EFSP proportion in the matrix tablets, improvement in buoyancy was observed. The floating behavior of tablets was also found to be dependent on particle size of EFSP. Further, surface morphology of different particle sizes of EFSP was studied with Scanning Electron Microscope images. Drug release from matrix tablets was reduced in the presence of EFSP particles. Most of the formulations were best fitted with Korsmeyer-Peppas and zero-order release kinetics. The value of n was found to be between 0.45 and 0.89, which indicates non-fickian drug transport. Thus, non-effervescent floating behavior can be successfully achieved by using EFSP in HPMC K4M based matrix tablets.