Development and Optimization of Sustained Release Tablets of Metformin Hydrochloride Using Natural Polymer

Metformin HCl is a common medication for Type 2 diabetes, but the short half-life of metformin means patients must take it multiple times throughout the day. This makes it difficult for many patients to adhere to their metformin regimen. The objective of this study was to create and optimize natural polymer-based sustained release metformin tablets to create tablets that would extend drug release time and improve therapeutic efficacy. Fenugreek gum was then used as the natural polymer matrix for these tablets along with other excipients. A Box-Behnken design methodology was used to evaluate how different formulation ingredients would affect both the physical characteristics of the tablets and how well metformin would be released from the tablets during In-vitro dissolution. Based on the results, the tablets have satisfactory physical characteristics and provided a sustained drug release for a long period of time. When compared with other studies that have shown sustained metformin release, the final optimized formulation could provide controlled release of metformin for a long period of time, indicating that natural polymers may be suitable for development of sustained release matrix tablets.