Phytochemical standardization, formulation and evaluation of oral hard gelatin capsules from Pinus eldarica bark extract

Objective:The extract of Pinus eldarica bark contains many polyphenolic compounds that were studied due to their high antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-mutagenic effects. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to conduct phytochemical standardization and develop hard gelatin capsules from the extract of P. eldarica bark. Materials and Methods:Extraction was carried out by maceration method at room temperature for ۷۲ hr using ethanol ۷۰% followed by freeze drying. Quantification and standardization tests were performed using Folin-Ciocalteu method. Then, nine formulations were prepared containing different amounts of stearic acid (۱-۳%) and corn starch (۳%, ۱۰%, and ۲۵%). Each formulation was characterized by FTIR and pharmacopoeial tests such as drug content, disintegration time, flowability parameters and drug release percent. The optimized formulation underwent stability studies at ۷۵±۵% humidity and ۴۰±۲°C. Results:The total phenolic content of the extract in terms of gallic acid equivalent was ۳۶۲.۸±۵.۴ mg/g and the total procyanidin content in the extract was ۱۷۴.۳۸۶±۲.۵ mg/g. FTIR revealed no interaction between the components. The results presented that the best formulation of the capsules was achieved they contained ۳% of stearic acid and ۲۵% of corn starch. This formulation showed ۹۱.۶۹±۰.۳۳% of drug content, ۹.۳۶±۰.۰۲ min disintegration time and ۸۳.۰۲±۰.۸۱% release percent. Moreover, it showed good flowability. Stability studies on the optimized formulation displayed that the formulation was stable within ۶ months in the accelerated condition. Conclusion: In conclusion, results of the present phytopharmaceutical evaluations confirmed this product as a promising herbal capsule formulation.

کلیدواژه ها:

Pinus eldarica ، Capsules ، Plant extracts ، Phytochemical ، Standardization