Psyllium (Plantago Ovata Forsk) Husk Powder as a Natural Superdisintegrant for Orodispersible Formulations: A Study on Meloxicam Tablets

Abstract

(1) Background: In this work, we investigated the application of a natural superdisintegrant, psyllium (Plantago ovata Forsk) husk powder, for the manufacture of orodispersible meloxicam tablets. Meloxicam was chosen as a model compound for the study. (2) Methods: The tablets were prepared using different concentrations of psyllium husk by direct compression. Bulk density, tapped density, hardness, friability, in vitro disintegration, and dissolution time tests were used to assess the quality of the formulations. (3) Results: Psyllium husk powder significantly increased the dissolution rate of meloxicam. The formulation containing 16 mg of psyllium husk powder showed the lowest wetting time, the highest water absorption ratio, and the lowest disintegration time compared to the control and to the other formulations. These effects may be attributed to the rapid uptake of water due to the vigorous swelling ability of psyllium husk powder. (4) Conclusions: The powder could be recommended as an effective natural superdisintegrant for orodispersible formulations.