Evaluation of Curcuminoids Effervescent Floating Tablets

The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate curcuminoids effervescent floating tablet. The system consists of a curcuminoids-containing core tablet coated with a gas forming layer (tartaric acid layer and sodium bicarbonate layer divided by a protective layer (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose)) and a gas-entrapped membrane (Eudragit® RL 30D), respectively. The floating tablets using lactose as a filler showed higher drug release than those using microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) or MCC:lactose as a filler. However, type of core tablet fillers did not affect time to float of the floating tablets in 0.1 N HCl. Increasing amount of gas forming agent reduced time to float and increased drug release from the floating tablets. The floating tablets showed good floating properties in 0.1 N HCl, however, curcuminoids released was very slow. Addition of surfactant (1%w/v sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)) in 0.1 N HCl could improve drug release of the floating tablets but it increased time to float and caused the floating tablet ruptured. The floating properties and drug release from curcuminoids effervescent floating tablets seemed to depend on formulation variables. The higher coating level or another type of gas-entrapped membrane may be need for further study.