Design of floating formulations and antiulcer activity of Desmostachya bipinnata

Abstract The study aims to design and optimize the floating formulations of the aqueous extract of Desmostachya bipinnata (ADB) to treat peptic ulcers. The trial concentrations of HPMC E50, HPMC K4M, and Carbopol 940 were used as factors, and floating lag time, total floating time, and % drug release at 12 h were used as responses. The formulation underwent evaluation for different parameters: aspirin-induced ulcers in rats assessed the antiulcer activity, and X-ray studies in rabbits evaluated the gastroretentive nature. The optimized formulation has shown a floating lag time of 32 s and floated in the gastric medium for more than 9 h with a maximum drug release of 93% at the end of 12 h by following the Korsmeyer-Peppas drug release mechanism. The optimized formulation has good flow properties. The FT-IR, DSC, and XRD studies show ADB and excipients didn't show any incompatibility. The formulation has shown significant antiulcer activity against aspirin-induced ulcers in rats, with an ulcer index of 3.38 ± 0.24 and inhibition of 76.67 ± 0.56%. The in vivo X-ray imaging proved the gastric retention of the formulations for more than 8 h. The results of the formulations demonstrate the floating ability and sustained drug release of the tablet responsible for treating peptic ulcers to show a localized effect in the gastric region and to maintain the ROS levels. Graphical Abstract