Role of Processed Aloe vera Mucilage in the Formulation of Sustained Release Repaglinide Matrix Tablets

The present study focuses on the development and evaluation of sustained release matrix tablets of Repaglinide, a short-acting antidiabetic drug, using processed Aloe vera mucilage as a natural release-modifying agent. The primary objective was to extend the drug release profile, reduce dosing frequency, and improve patient compliance. Aloe vera mucilage was extracted, processed, and characterized for its physicochemical properties, including swelling index, viscosity, and compatibility with the drug through FTIR and DSC studies. Matrix tablets were formulated using the wet granulation method with varying concentrations of Aloe vera mucilage and evaluated for pre-compression and post-compression parameters such as hardness, friability, weight variation, drug content, and in vitro drug release. The release data were analyzed using various kinetic models to determine the mechanism of drug release. Among the formulations, the batch containing a higher concentration of Aloe vera mucilage demonstrated a sustained release of Repaglinide over 12 hours, following a non-Fickian diffusion mechanism. Comparative analysis with synthetic polymers revealed that Aloe vera mucilage exhibited comparable or superior release-controlling potential, supporting its use as an effective natural excipient. The study concludes that processed Aloe vera mucilage can be successfully employed as a cost-effective, biocompatible, and efficient release modifier in the formulation of sustained release matrix tablets of Repaglinide.